Having belonged to St. John’s all my life, I’m trying to remember the changes made throughout the years, of which there were many. I’m remembering Sunday School in the church basement. We had an opening for all classes together and then the curtains would be pulled, and each class would have their section for the lesson of the day. I’m thinking having a band in Sunday School but can’t find anyone with me at that time to confirm this. {It’s been confirmed we had a band). When Spring and Summer arrived, we looked forward to Bible School. We had many, many children. I really can’t remember how the church was set up for Bible School, but I believe we had an opening with all groups and ages in the church. Then I believe we all went downstairs for our lessons and crafts. Ed Fogel had a wood shop or wood burning for the boys. Later in my life, after collage, I helped at Bible School with the arts and crafts, then later when we went from two weeks to one week and evening, I helped in the kitchen to prepare supper for the children and staff. {By this time, we had Sunday School rooms for classes and a Parish Hall for openings and closings). Going back to earlier years while in high school, I helped at the St. John’s Stand at the Allentown Fair. The women were busy cooking and baking in the kitchen, which was in the basement of the church at this time and the men were making sauerkraut in Mr. Folk’s garage on Ridge Street. We don’t want to forget the women who made Fasnacht’s to sell. Throughout my life time I served on the Education Committee, I am on Alter Guild, a greeter, a member of the Newsletter group, bake for fellowship, and not to forget help to decorate the church for Christmas and Harvest Home, which I haven’t been able to do recently and also went Christmas caroling to the homebound members. I’m truly blessed to have such caring church family who have helped me in many ways.
Nancy Reimert