April 2015 - St. John's UCC Penntown



|June 2018 |

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| |St. Jacob Blue Creek | |

| |St. John Penntown | |

| |June – July 2018 | |

From the Pastor’s Desk

On Sunday May 13th the Confirmands shared their statements of faith. My prayer is that all of us revisit our personal faith beliefs and review what it is that holds us, the body of Christ, together. Remember, Jesus loved the church like a mother loves her child. He offered this prayer shortly before his betrayal by Judas. Listen carefully to his words, for Christ is praying for you and me: “Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, at they may be one as we are one. I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one . . .”

It was important to Christ that the church, his body, remain unified after he was gone from them. Obviously, he knew that would be difficult. We enjoy singing, “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord; and we pray that all unity will one day be restored. And they’ll know we are Christians by our love, yes they’ll know we are Christians by our love.” And that’s true in most churches, but all through history we have also been known by our squabbles.

Conflict in most churches is not that bad, but it can happen. People turn against one another--relationships are broken--even in the holiest congregations. We are, after all, only human. In John’s Gospel Jesus prays for the church. He prays that we will all be one. In other words, that we will be united. Considering the present fragmentation of the Christian community, Christ is probably still praying that same prayer today.

What is it that holds together the body of Jesus Christ? What is the source of our unity where it exists?

Obviously, we are united, first of all, by what we believe. We believe in God. And we believe that through Jesus Christ and his Holy Spirit we can know God and experience God.

We are united in our belief that Christ is the way to God. And we gather here each week in the hope that God will make Himself known to us-- that, if we have not already done so--we will one day experience God in our lives. We are not perfect people. And no group of people is going to agree on every little matter. Sometimes there is conflict in the church. But when the dust settles, no matter how uncomfortable it makes us, there is a common bond that unites everyone who takes upon himself or herself the name Christian. That bond is this:

We believe that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him shall have life everlasting.

We believe that, and that unites us with millions of believers around this planet. That is the first thing that unites us--our beliefs. As Christians, we should bear with pride the fact that we pick up where Jesus left off, because we are His body in the world.

St. Paul set the standard for us over 1900 years ago when he wrote that our job

“whether at home or absent, is to be pleasing to God.” (II Corinthians 5:9)

That is the test of service in our lives as believers in Him. Would it be pleasing to Christ?

We are united by what we believe. We are united by our love for one another and for the Christ we serve. We are united by our love for the world for which Christ died. The church can never be satisfied with protecting its own existence. We serve one who poured out his life for the world. That is our calling as well--to pour out our life for the world. We have no other purpose as the church of Jesus Christ.

Blessings! PL

Pastor Lynne: (319) 830-4048 or lynneb135@ Church office: (812) 623-3410 or stjohns@

Website: [pic] St. John’s UCC Penntown

My Statement of Faith - Sam Bond

Confirmation is an important step in my life because it confirms my beliefs. I will show good Christian actions in the world. I will live my life by treating others how I want to be treated. I feel like the roots I started here will guide me in the process of being a good Christian man.

God created the whole universe and humanity. All that God creates is good. Humanity is made in the image of God. God loves us even when we make mistakes and will forgive us for our sins. God gives humankind the capacity to choose the way of life.

Jesus’s life expressed God in the world. God came to us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. The only way we know God is through Jesus. Jesus was fully human and fully divine. Jesus’s birth was important because God came to us in the human form. He died for us so that we could be forgiven for our sins. Jesus’s resurrection showed the power of God and how he can raise people from the dead.

The Holy Spirit is a part of the great mystery of the trinity. The Holy Spirit creates, nurtures, and helps us use our gifts for the good of all creation. The Holy Spirit works through the church, through each of us and unites us in our diversity.

God calls us to the church. Following Christ is a life commitment. To be a good follower of God there’s a cost. To show our faith through our works it gives us a good life. Jesus is the head of the church. God calls us to serve good to others. As members of the church attend and do the work of God, the body is healthy.

Grace abounds and we have much for which to be grateful. God’s grace is sufficient. God’s forgiveness is always available. God’s grace doesn’t prevent suffering, it accompanies the one who suffers. I try to make smart decisions, but if I fail I am happy that God forgives us for our sins.

Baptism celebrates the new life in Jesus Christ. When I was born my parents felt it was important for me to be baptized. This is important because it introduced me to support and faith of the church. Communion is the practice of serving the people of the church. The church serves them wine and bread to represent when Jesus said to eat and drink in the remembrance of Him.

Eternal life is a gift from God. Eternal life is given to believers now, but it’s fullness is known after we die. Eternal life is knowing God. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Through Christ the coming age of God’s reign is now here. Eternal life is not something that we can manufacture or earn. Eternal life makes me feel good knowing that if I believe and follow God I will have eternal life.

Knowing that God sent his only son to die for our sins makes me feel good and special. This makes me feel good because I know He loves us. To be a good Christian I will strive to be a good person within or outside the church walls.

My Statement of Faith - Gabrielle Elston

Confirmation is an important step in my life. It is making my faith in God stronger. Confirmation is me making a promise to my church. It is my next step in my religion.

I believe God created everything. He created everything in this universe. Genesis 1:1 says, “At God’s word the universe and humanity are created.” I believe He sent Jesus, Christ to save us from our sins. I believe He loves all of his children. I believe God wants us to love one another as He loves us. I believe that He hears all of our prayers. Also, He has a plan for all of us even when we don’t understand what He is doing.

I believe Jesus was both human and divine. John 1:1-18 says, “The Divine became human in Jesus Christ.” It is important to understand that Jesus was human, so you realize that He experienced some of the same situations as you. Jesus got angry, He had friends, He upset his parents, He slept, and He was hurt. All of these things are shown in the Bible. As a Christian, I believe that Jesus was crucified and resurrected. He did this for our sins; therefore, we owe it to Him to be better people. I believe Jesus’ life and resurrection are central to the Christian faith.

I believe the Holy Spirit is the third part of the Holy Trinity. The Holy Trinity gives us our gifts and helps us to use those gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 says, “There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit is in everyone for the common good.” One of the gifts the Holy Spirit has given me, is the ability to play sports. I am so thankful for this gift because I love playing sports. I believe the Holy Spirit unites us in our diversity. Acts 2:1-24 “Jesus’ followers were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in many languages.” We are bound together because of the Holy Spirit.

Gabrielle Elston cont.

1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.” As members of the Church, we are the body of Christ. To better ourselves as Christians, we attend ministries of worship, teaching, and service. Ephesians 4:16 says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing full of love.” Through Bible School and Sunday School, I have learned the creation stories. I have also learned, that God loves all of his children. Through Church, I have learned the power of prayer. I believe that following Christ brings great joy and is made easier by going to church.

I believe that when you sin, if you pray about it and ask God for forgiveness, He will forgive you. Since God forgives us for our sins, it is important that we are good people. We should also forgive others when they do something wrong to us. Colossians 3:12-13 says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” I think that God wants us to be good people but understands when we screw up or make a mistake.

Baptism is the public display of believing in Jesus. It’s the washing away the old sins and welcoming in your new body with Christ. Communion is fellowship with other believers. The Communion comes from the Last Supper with Jesus and the disciples. Communion is the remembrance of Jesus Christ. It is a way of remembering the sacrifices Jesus made for us.

I believe when we die we go up to heaven to live with the Lord. God decided if we are able to have eternal life. Eternal life is a promise God made to those who believe in Him. One of the most famous verses in the Bible, John 3:16, says “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This is one of the very first verses you memorize as a kid. This verse accurately describes God’s promise to us for believing in Him.

I will share my faith with others. My goal is to go on mission trips to help people who are less fortunate than I am. I hope to continue making my faith in God stronger. I hope to put more faith in God when I am going through a tough time. After confirmation, I will try to better myself as a person and a Christian.

My Statement of Faith - Quinton Elston

The purpose of my life is to glorify God. This statement of faith will convey how I glorify God.

I believe in God because he created life. Nobody else could’ve created life. Here was here before all of us. He made Jesus. He gave his son for us.

We celebrate Jesus’s birth on December 25. He died to forgive our sins.

The Holy Spirit helps us do good things. It helps us look at everybody equally. It helps us have respect for others.

We all help the church work. We learn about God and Jesus and worship and listen about them.

We are forgiven for our sins by doing good things instead of bad things. If we do something bad, we can do a lot of good things to make up for it.

Only God can give us eternal life. It is something we can earn when we are living. It is a gift that we can receive as a gift and is not just given to us.

Communion is when we renew our covenant with God. The bread and the cup symbolize God’s grace at work in us. Communion celebrates the gift God gives us in Jesus.

Baptism is the reconciliation of people to God. It incorporates someone into Christ and the church. We are united to Jesus Christ.

I will do my part in church and do what is needed. I will continue to listen and learn about God. I will try to go to church every day.

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My Statement of Faith - Drake Mitchell

Confirmation is just the beginning of my faith journey for I have so much more to learn. Getting confirmed is important because it continues my service and worship for the church. I want to continue my faith journey because it means I get to continue learning and discovering new things. I want to pass on my faith to others as I grow. There are many things that I have just started learning that I will continue to learn throughout my whole life. I choose to be confirmed for all of these things followed.

God is the strength in me and in everyone else here in this world. Without God, what would we be? I believe that God is the one who created this world. Everything he created is said to be good. We are all are created from dust and made in the image of God. He gave us the breath of life and called us to CHOOSE life to be good. He also created the heavens and the Earth. God is also our Holy Spirit. God is our foundation in all of us.

It is important to know that Jesus was just like us. He wept, felt guilt, had many friends, cried for a lost one, etc. He was born to the virgin Mary. He lives among us, and he was on Earth for 3 years. Jesus and God are one. Through Jesus, God came to us while he shared our common lot. He is a simply divine person. I experience Christ in school and in many other places, especially when I need him most. Jesus died on the cross to save us. He eventually rose from the dead and was resurrected. He showed us that God’s reign was a miracle and a gift, just as he was.

The Holy Spirit works through us and the church. We all have access to it as well. The Spirit has given all of us a gift. My gift is the ability to hunt and play music well. The Holy Spirit is a great part of the Trinity. The Spirit of our Church is part of the covenant. An important thing that I believe is that no one can claim to own possessions of God. The Spirit is the foundation of the church which holds us together.

Our Church is a place we come to every Sunday. Is it not required to come to church every weekend, but it is a great thing to do! God calls us to the church. 1st Corinthians 12-27 shows that the people of the church make up the body of Christ, which I firmly believe. Jesus Christ is our leader, also known as the head of the church. Unity and the body of Christ are ideal in the church for work says Ephesians 4:1-16. We all play a role in the church such as Janet, Sylvia, and Dee playing the piano. Our president uncle Greg and vice president Jim who propose ideas for the church. We have Larry Richter who takes care of the cemetery. God calls us to the church. Following Christ is a commitment for life. James 2:14-17 shows how showing our faith through our works gives us a good life.

We all have committed a sin in our life. Eventually, we all get forgiven for our sins. We all deserve justice and peace. God has a special regard for the poor and oppressed, and he gives us courage. Even when we are down, he doesn’t keep us from suffering. He will always offer forgiveness through our troubled times.

The Church has two sacraments: Baptism and Holy Communion. I believe that these two sacraments our vital in our Christian lives. Baptism gives us a new life in Christ. Communion is remembered as the last supper before Jesus was crucified. We take apart in communion every month to symbolize this. Baptism begins the start of a faith journey to anyone. These sacraments show the two most important things in a Christian journey.

Every Christian is promised that if we do things for God, we will receive Eternal life. Eternal Life is a gift in which you continue knowing God. Revelations 4:1-6 describes Eternal Life in the view of heaven. No matter what happens, nothing can separate us from God. The Eternal Life that we receive is one of the greatest things a Christian can receive that only God can take away.

On this day, I am just starting my journey with the church and Christ. I will continue my faith journey by coming to church and worshipping God. My role in the Church is special because it is my own unique role. From the time last year to this day, I have acquired more knowledge of the Christian story every single day and meeting of the confirmation group. I have so much to offer for this Church and community and I will continue to pass on my faith to others.

My Statement of Faith – Lane Ratliff

Hi everyone, I wanted to talk to you about God, the Holy Spirit, the universal church, forgiveness and grace, Communion and baptism, and eternal life.

We are made in the image of God, He created us from dust, then God called us to be good and to choose life.

Lane Ratliff cont.

He also created the heavens and earth. I believe God is our father and wanted us to do good things in our lives.

The Holy Spirit creates and nurtures us and helps us to use our gifts for the good of all creation. The Holy Spirit is real if you believe in it and will work through each of us. The Holy Spirit I believe is a common bond that allows us to experience kindness and respect for others. Because I believe in the Holy Spirit, I try my best to always respect my parents and all those in my life. I try to help others in need and always do good.

The people in the church is the body of Christ. It takes everyone in it to have the power of Christ. “Unity and the body of Christ is ideal” Ephesians 1-4. I believe God calls us into the church as part of our commitment to him and to teach us his word. “…Doing this is a cost of discipleship.” John 21 15-17. St. Jacobs has been my family’s church for a very long time and I hope to continue growing up in our church and doing my part.

Forgiveness and grace: grace abounds and we have much for which to be grateful for. God’s grace is sufficient; God’s forgiveness is always available. God’s grace does not prevent suffering, it accompanies the one who suffers. I believe that God does things with reason and He is there to help us through tough times. He sacrificed his life for us therefore we need to give our lives to him.

Justice and peace: God has a special regard for the poor and the oppressed and requires the we show the same regard for them. God is always present in times of trial and times of joy. I believe God answers us in prayer and it helps us through tough times in a lot of ways to know he’s always there for us. I don’t always understand things that happen but I do believe what my mom has always said. Things happen for reasons and it helps knowing God gets us through.

Communion and baptism: the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion signify God’s grace and identifying God’s people. The sacrament of baptism and Holy Communion unite us with Christians in all places and times. I was baptized as an infant at St. Jacobs UCC and my parents chose my Godparents and I have grown up knowing I can always go to them with questions or concerns as my Godmother has always given me reminders of who God is and why he should always be number 1 in my life. This is a practice I try to keep.   

“Eternal Life is a Gift from God” Revelation 4:1-6. Eternal life is given to believers now but its fullness is known after we die. I believe there is a Heaven and I know I want to live my life for God. I may not always understand but I hope to continue to learn and grow up knowing I will do my best to have faith, kindness, and commitment in helping others and doing my part to keep my promises as a Christian and a member of St. Jacobs.

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IKC Annual Gathering

Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11)

What ignites the church for you: Passionate faith? Mission? Prophetic Witness? Worship? Connect with laypeople and clergy from across the conference to share your passion for ministry and learn more about the fiery ministries in churches across the conference.

Be Ignited by: A concert with singer-songwriter and author Carrie Newcomer, Worship, workshops and keynote with Marcia McFee, Worship Design Studio, preaching by Rev. Leah Robberts-Mosser and Rev. Vince Amlin, Church vitality and research Education Day with Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi, Opportunities for conversation that will fuel your fire for mission and outreach.

In this time of tremendous change and struggle for our churches, we need our covenantal relationships more than ever — to ignite our passion for serving, to gain practical tools for ministry and foster connections that remind us we are part of something much greater than ourselves. Pastor Lynne will be attending the Annual Gathering May 31-June 2.

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Hailee Gesell is graduating from Preschool! Her proud parents are Cory & Amanda Gesell; her grandparents are Dwain & Kim Gesell and Danny Hornberger & Trisha Newby. Her great grandparents are Cliff & Sylvia Gesell, Betty Mulvany, Karen Allen, and Barb Allen.

Stefanie Ratliff graduates from East Central High School on June 3. She will attend Purdue Polytechnic Institute in Richmond, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Her proud parents are Randy & Tracey Ratliff, grandparents are Junior & Janice Ratliff and Verna Schwier, and her proud grandma is LaVonne Huber.

Quintin Richter, son of Melissa & Greg Richter, is graduating from ECHS on June 3. He has signed up with the Marines in defense of our country. His proud grandparents are Donald & Carolyn Richter, John & Betty Hartman and Luscill & Cathy Sparks.

Julia Weber graduates from ECHS on June 3. Her proud parents are Mike & Deb Weber. She will be farming with her dad and attending Ivy Tech in Batesville and Columbus, majoring in Agricultural Business. Donald & Carolyn Richter and Elaine Weber are her grandparents.

Amanda Richter graduated Magna Cum Laude on May 5 with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology from University of Indianapolis. She will attend U Indy’s graduate school to get her doctorate in Occupational Therapy. She is the daughter of Melissa & Greg Richter. Proud grandparents are Donald & Carolyn Richter, John & Betty Hartman and Luscill & Cathy Sparks.

Kristen Weber, daughter of Mike and Deb Weber, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Ball State University. She is moving to Indianapolis and has a job with Imavex in Fishers, IN as a client specialist working on client websites. She is the granddaughter of Donald & Carolyn Richter and Elaine Weber.

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Youth Mission Trip

This year’s confirmands expressed interest in a mission trip!

After looking at schedules, July 22-28 was chosen. Pastor Lynne has made arrangements for a trip to Bear Branch, KY with Big Creek Missions.

If you are interested in sponsoring a youth the total cost will be $199 per person.

Any amount you can contribute will be appreciated!

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INDEPENDENCE

I In the rich brown earth, a deeper pain conceals

N Not just the myth, of war on foreign fields

D Death's toll and the greater cost reveals

E Each life, each loss, that paves our freedom trail

P Pride reminds us of the sacrifice

E Each mother's tears should not be theirs alone

N Nations rich in history's reward

D Demand that freedom is the final word!

E Every heart must keep the names alive

N Never let the guard down or the pride

C Choose to honor all who fought and died

E Exercising freedom's gifts, our Godly right!

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2- or 3- day VBS coming in mid-July!

Needed: kids age 3-thru grade 3

Adult and teen helpers!

See Chris!

Stuffed polar bears, penguins, wintery decor (to borrow)

At Polar Blast VBS, kids will go on an icy cool adventure

where they'll discover that Jesus will always love them!

This VBS is filled with incredible Bible learning experiences kids see, hear, and touch. Team building games, cool Bible songs, and multi-sensory Bible adventures are just a few of the activities that help faith flow into real life.

Registrations will begin in mid-June.

Vacation Bible School

St. John UCC & St. Jacob UCC

Hosted at St. John’s Penntown

8917 E Co Rd 1300 N

Sunman, IN

(812) 623-3410

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Please lift in prayer: Matthew Smith (friend of Drake & Lane); Harry Laker; Barb Francis; Marvin Huber; Rob McCauley (friend of Pastor Lynne with recent heart attack); Colleen’s grandson Logan Wright (heart surgery; Julene’s friend); Dan Hountz; Jim Schwab; Leo Moster; Dan Bowman; Aiden Roberts; Helen Bise; Alvin & Anna Mae Werner; Catherine Clark (211 Eastern Ave, Sunman); Dennis Walterman; Charles Hadden; Ron Meyer; James Robertson (169 Carryback Ct, Harrison); Lynsey Gesell; Shirley Huneke (at the Chateau); Jan Cowan and Marcia Agbor (friends of Kim G); Isabelle Welch (11702 Westwood Dr, Carmel, IN 46033).

If you have any updates for the Prayer List or for the Birthdays & Anniversaries list, please call the office at (812) 623-3410, send an email to stjohns@, or speak with Pastor Lynne.

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

1 Kathy Thomas

2 Julene Hornberger

4 Alicia Staten

13 Trenton Gesell

14 Gale Richter

15 Jocelyn Xenophontos

16 Nikki Barton

17 Joshua Wiedeman, Rory Bauman

18 Karen Craig, Marcia Hornberger, Emmeline Ertel

19 Ray Eicher, Ruth Ellen Hurley, Lainey Mitchell

20 Brian Faulkner, Kyle Richter

22 Jim Gilbert

23 Janice Ratliff, Dennis Richter, Dean Mitchell

24 Michael Stenger

25 Jesse Thomas

26 Marsha Robinson

27 Keith Joerger

28 Brandon Bischoff, Lindsey Bauman

29 Ellen Bauman, Renee Weber

30 Maria Richter

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

June 4 Vince & Rachelle Amlin, Joe & Ruth Ann Farr

June 6 Jim & Sally Cook

June 7 Peter & Kristina Frye

June 8 Roger & Sandy Lang

June15 Bertie & Larry Bauman

June 18 Linda & Estelle Stamper

June 19 Dan & Janelle Batta

June 20 Nicole & Mason Cook

JULY BIRTHDAYS

1 Helen Bise, Hannah McKinney

2 Bob Atkins

3 Julia Thomas, Olivia Rosemeyer

5 Ronald Barnhart

7 Chad Faulkner, Eric Faulkner, Dean Bohman,

Ted Richmond

8 Monica McCory

12 Roosevelt Ratliff, Jacqueline Mitchell

13 Tricia Freyer, Justin Meyer

14 Danielle Hountz, Kendall Huber, Carter Davis

15 Austin Herr, Clarabelle Mitchell

16 Jon Werner

17 Jenny Faulkner

18 Ellyse Gesell

19 Carolyn Richter

21 Ruth Ann Farr

26 Claire Bond, Connie Flaspohler, Judy Doll,

Laine Schwegman

27 Kim Mitchell

28 Cindy Billman

29 Trevor Sullivan

30 Damon Bauman

31 Lea Hornberger

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

July 20 Rod & Deanna Richter

July 22 Dennis & Ruth Walterman

July 23 Blaire & Joey Harness

July 26 Dennis & Maria Richter

Pastor Lynne will be on vacation June 18-25[pic]

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St. Jacob UCC Blue Creek PRSRT STANDARD

St. John UCC Penntown U.S. POSTAGE PAID

8917 E County Road 1300 N BATESVILLE IN

Sunman, Indiana 47041 PERMIT NO. 29

812-623-3410

stjohns@

Or Current Resident

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