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

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.

My name is Mary Bealer and I am a member of this church for about 37 years. When my family moved to Emmaus, we decided to join a church in the community. We were Lutheran and St. John’s became the place.

I am a retired nurse, my last position was a Women’s Health Care Nurse Practitioner. I worked in a large OG/GYN practice for LVPG.

Being involved in many activities is what I do and who I am. I like people. I like being Lutheran, because we believe we are saved by grace, we ordain all people who qualify for ordination, and we care about our neighbor’s needs.

Therefor I am involved in Eucharistic Ministry, GIFT committee, Outreach committee, Education committee, Adult Sunday School, BYOB [Women’s Bible Study Group}, KFC [Knitting for Charity], VBS, deliver flowers, Prayer Partner, Lecturer, and work in the kitchen. I think that is about it.

I feel very privileged to be associated with St. Johns church.