Calendar of Events for the Week of September 28, 2025: Monday - 5:30pm - Karate Tuesday -Â Wednesday - 9:00 - Make Apple Sauce; 11:00 - Bible Study; 6:30pm - AA Meeting; 7:00pm - Bible Study Thursday -Â 5:30pm - Karate; 6:30pm - Choir Rehearsal Friday -Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Saturday -Â
QUILTING MINISTRY SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR MONTH OF OCTOBER ONLY - In October, the group will meet only on Thursday October 23rd at 9am. (The group normally meets the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at 9am.) If you can tie a knot please join the group as they make quilts for Lutheran Disaster Response.
CRAFT SESSION CANCELLED - The  October 9th Apple Fest craft session has been cancelled to due all the work times the following week.
WATCH "THE CHOSEN" - âThe Chosenâ viewing will start on Thursday October 9th at 6:30pm. There will be a quick synopsis of the episode before we start it. After viewing, there will be a Q & A.
SUBSTITUTE SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED - Our new Sunday School year has started and we have teachers in place. But there are times they cannot be here. Please consider volunteering to be a substitute teacher. All material is provided. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the parlor for you to take part in this important ministry.
ACOLYTES NEEDED! - If you are in 3rd grade (or entering this Fall) or older and would like to serve as an acolyte during the 10:45am worship service, please see Cindy Derr. She will explain how the scheduling works and what the duties are. We need your help in this important ministry. Even grown-ups can serve as acolyte
WILLING WORKERS - The Willing Workers will meet on Tuesday, October 7th at 12:00pm (note date and time change). Â This will be a covered dish event so bring your favorite food item. All women of the church are invited to attend. The meeting will be held at 1:00pm. For more information, contact Deb Jones at 570-233-7675 or msjonesncc@gmail.com
CHOIR REHEARSAL BEGINS - The Celebration Singers are rehearsing to prepare for the upcoming holidays on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Join us as we lift our voices in praise to God. See or call Patt Derr (570-956-2068) for information.
BLESSING OF THE PETS - On Saturday evening October 4th at the 4:30pm worship service we will have the âBlessing of the Petsâ. In the courtyard (weather permitting). Please bring your beloved pet. If shy-bring a collar, leash or picture â if in Heaven, feel free to bring a picture or memory item for remembrance. Pets must be on a leash and rabies vaccine required (no proof necessary). There will be a free-will âpet snackâ offing for local shelters. All are welcome!
APPLE SAUCE - Join us on Wednesday October 1st at 9:00am to help make our delicious homemade apple sauce.
QUILTING MINISTRY - This group meets the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month at 9am. If you can tie a knot please join the group as they make quilts for Lutheran Disaster Response.Â
TRASH TO TEASURE FLEA MARKET/ANTIQUE TREASURE ITEMS NEEDED - Items to be donated for the Apple Feast Flea Market and Antique Treasures may be brought to the church beginning weekdays September 2rd from 9am â Noon. Items should be taken to the Youth Room. This is located next to the elevator on the lower level. Carts are available by the back door on the kitchen side and in the hallway by the elevator on the lower level. If you have larger items, please contact Deb Jones at 570-233-7675 to make arrangements for drop off. REMEMBER: NO books, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes, clothing or electronics.
CANCER AWARENESS TRICKY TRAY - Once again at our Apple Festival we will have a special Tricky Tray for cancer awareness. âPinkâ items are needed for this. Please have donated items here at the church by Sunday September 21st.
APPLE FEST VOLUNTEERS - Saturday October 18th from 8am-3pm. Volunteers are needed for our annual event. Dates are the days prior to the Fest at 9am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday October 15th, 16th and 17th. Also, the day of the Apple Fest the 18th. Please see the sign-up sheets on the table in the back of the church and indicate day(s) and times you can help!!! Please sign-up to bake for the bake sale and to bake and apple pies, too.
AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ROAD TO RECOVERY - Greater Hazleton Cancer patients are reminded that transportation is provided to and from treatments for those who do not have a ride or are unable to drive can get assistance by registering at cancer.org or calling 570-459-1212. It can take several business days to coordinate a ride so please call well in advance of your appointment. Driving hours are flexible and are typically Monday through Friday between 7am-6pm.
ACOLYTES NEEDED! - If you are in 3rd grade (or entering this Fall) or older and would like to serve as an acolyte during the 10:45am worship service, please see Cindy Derr. She will explain how the scheduling works and what the duties are. We need your help in this important ministry. Even grown-ups can serve as acolytes!
BOUNTIFUL GARDENS - The table to share your Bountiful Gardens produce is in the parlor. Â Individuals with extra produce from their gardens can leave it on the table before the Saturday or Sunday church services. Â If you would like any of the produce, we are asking for a free will donation which will be given to the Valley Food Pantry, along with any extra produce. Â When leaving your produce, please put it on the table in the parlor and NOT in the shopping cart.
BIBLE STUDIES - Wednesday night Bible Study is 7-8 pm. We will be reading Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther & Job during the next few weeks. We will meet in the parlor. Our group focuses on reading the Bible from start to finish and discussing it. Join us and hear God's Word.Â
The Wednesday morning Bible Study meets the first & third Wednesdays of the month at 11:00am. We will continue with âThe Workbook on the Christian Walkâ. Everyone is welcome to join. Sessions last about an hour.Â
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE - LDR is asking for gifts to help with the recent disasters. Checks may be out to the church and marked "LDR". Â 100% of all money donated goes directly to help those in need!!
STEPHEN MINISTRY - Stephen Ministers: The After People
People often ask, âWhat exactly is a Stephen Minister?â One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the After People. Â Stephen Ministers are there:
* after the phone call you hoped youâd never get. * after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions youâve held at bay come crashing in on you. * after the relationship falls apart and the bottom falls out of your life. * after the doctor says, âIâm sorry, but thereâs nothing more we can do.â * after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, âWelcome to your new home.â * after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives awayâand the house suddenly seems empty. * after the gavel comes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away. * after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible. * after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck. * after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out.Â
Stephen Ministers are the After People. They are ready to come alongside you to provide comfort and support for as long after as needed. Â
James tells us that the prayers of righteous people are powerful and effective (James 5:16). During the coming month, we invite you to pray for our congregationâs Stephen Ministry, especially for God to touch the hearts of those called to serve as Stephen Ministers. Â For more information please contact Deb Jones at 570-233-7675 or msjonesncc@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
* HISTORIC BRAINERD CHURCH - On Sunday September 28th at 4pm the church will present readings by Edgar Allan Poe. Bring a chair or blanket. In case of rain the program will be in the church.
* ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL - The Historic Brainerd Church will host their annual Fall Festival on Sunday October 5th from 10am-4pm on the church grounds at 798 Main Street in Sugarloaf.
* ANNUAL PUMPKINFEST - The UCC Church will hold this event on Saturday October 25th from 10am â 3:00pm. Food, tricky trays and other items will be available.
* FALL AFTERNOONS OF WORSHIP - Black Creek United Methodist Church on Saturdays October 4th, 11th, & 18th at 4:00pm in their new outdoor worship space with preaching, live music and free coffee and hot chocolate.
* CHICKEN AND WAFFLE DINNER - Black Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday October 25th from 3:00pm-7:00pm. Reservations are strongly recommended. Call 570-751-3426 or 570-384-4087.
* ELECTION DAY PASTA DINNER - Saint John Bosco Church, Conyngham, PA, will sponsor its annual Election Day Pasta and Meatball dinner on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, from 3-7 PM in the parish center. Dinner includes pasta, two homemade meatballs, salad, Italian bread, homemade dessert, beverage and complimentary wine. Take-out dinners will be available. Tickets will be available after all weekend Masses at St. John Bosco Church beginning the weekend of October 4-5, at the parish office beginning October 6, and on the day of the event. Tickets are $15 per adult and $7 for children, 10 years and under. You may also call the parish office at 570-788-1997, EXT 3, for further information. We hope to see you there!