The Prayer Chain is a non-visible ministry that provides a tremendous support for our members and others who need the power of prayer for care and healing. It is under the leadership of Gloria Halter.

Some may be wondering how a prayer chain functions. The prayer chain is for anyone who is in need of prayer, for any reason – illness, hospitalization, or if the caller needs someone to care about him or her and to pray on his or her behalf.

Since prayer is a vital part of the community of the church, it gives us the opportunity to care for others. The members of the prayer chain set aside a part of each day and pray for those who have called and asked them to do so.

At this time there are 13 church members on the chain callers list. Anyone interested in joining the list can call Gloria Halter. Her name and phone number are on the back of the weekly church bulletin. Gloria indicates that it is easy to join and you need only to call one person when they receive a call from someone who requests prayer.

ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

The Activities Committee is responsible for coordinating and providing congregational activities/programs throughout the year. It is under the leadership of Anne Kraft, chairperson and Paula Kleckner. Activities committee members include Sandra Deke, Ruth Findley, Mary Lou Gentzler, Pat Hallacher, Ruth Korman, Wilma Kuhn, Nancy Jo Lutz, Jean Pelen, Jack Spiese, Edward Wise, and Doris Young.

In addition to providing food and sometimes program entertainment, a donation is accepted at many of the dinners and the proceeds are donated to World Hunger.

The Activities Committee recently met to plan the congregational activities for the 2004 year and include the following:

CALLING ALL THRIVENT MEMBERS

Are you a member of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans? We would like to know. St. John’s is able to receive matching funds for special projects through Thrivent Financial; however, for these projects, we need the participation of at least six members of Thrivent Financial to plan and run the projects. At the present time, we have been unable to access a total list of members from the combined First English and St. John’s Lutheran congregations. If you are a member, please give your name to Frank Cover, Jan Stein, Thresa Droege or Mary Charles Wallace. We have some ideas for programs/projects in order to raise supplimental funds and need your support.