Author Archives: info@stjohnsemmaus.org

Nancy Matika: Steward of the Month – May 2019

I was confirmed at St. John’s in 1957 by Pastor Spieker. My husband Ed and I were married here in 1966 by Pastor Hoffman. Two of my three children were baptized at St. John’s. Our family moved to Stiles in 1968 and returned to Emmaus in 1979.

Once we returned to Emmaus, our family returned to worship at St. John’s. My sons joined the scout troop that met at church and I was very active as a pack mom.

I love to be around and get to know people. I was asked to help organize and serve for the Second Sunday Fellowship after both worship services over 25 years ago and I am still serving St. John’s in this capacity. I enjoy setting a nice table for our members’ to enjoy.

Working in the food service business for over 25 years shows my passion for working in a kitchen, cooking and serving people. I volunteer my talents in the St. John’s kitchen by helping cook and serve for the annual congregational dinner, funeral luncheons and other special events.

I also volunteer for flower delivery which allows me to brighten our member’s day with beautiful flowers, a message from St. John’s and sometimes a much needed visit.

Over the years I have run many bus trips and I was asked to use my knowledge to organize the upcoming bus trip for St. John’s members to see Jesus at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Lancaster.

I encourage everyone to come to fellowship after the services to meet new or reconnect with members of St. John’s and spend time with friends. As a member of St. John’s, I feel it is important everyone volunteers their talents to help our church and our members.

SMILE and say CHEESE! New photo directory project begins

St. John’s will soon be creating a new church photo directory. Our previous photo directory was printed in 2007, 12 years ago … A new directory is certainly overdue! Lifetouch, formerly Olan Mills, will be taking our portraits and publishing the photo directory.

Photography sessions will be held in the church’s Parish Hall on the following dates:

Monday, August 19 2:00–9:00 pm
Friday, September 13 2:00–9:00 pm
Saturday, September 14 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Each church family unit will receive a complimentary 8”x10” copy of their church directory portrait along with a complimentary copy of the church photo directory itself.

In addition, families and members will have the opportunity to purchase additional portraits, which will be taken by the photographers. There is no additional sitting fee. Offers and discounts will be made available toward the purchase of these portraits.

Stay tuned – further information, details, and promotional materials will be posted in the very near future.

New Member Gathering: Interested in Becoming a Member of St. John’s? New Member Gathering June 2

Pastor Jeff will be conducting a class for prospective new members on Sunday, June 2. The class will be held in the Parish Hall between the two worship services, from 9:15-10:15 am.

New Member FAQ:

Q: What will be covered in the new member class?

A: The class will review the basics of the Christian faith, the basics of Lutheranism, an overview of the ELCA, and the membership expectations at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Emmaus.

Q: When will new members be received into the congregation?

A: New members will be formally received into the congregation on Sunday, June 16 during the 10:30 service.

Q: Will there be a test?

A: No, there will not be a test. However, prospective new members are asked to meet with the Congregation Council at its monthly meeting on June 11. The purpose is to give the council members and new members an opportunity to meet one another.

Q: Will new members have to get up in front of the congregation?

A: During the 10:30 am service on June 16, the new members will be asked to gather in front of the congregation as the congregation welcomes them as new members of St. John’s. The new members will not be required to say anything in front of the congregation.

Q: How can I find out more information?

A: Call the church office at 610-965-9885 during the week during normal office hours.