Events

Worship Services Resume May 24, 2020 – Memorial Day Weekend

Worship Services resume this Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 10:30 am.

Our primary concern is for the congregation’s health.

Here are several suggestions from the recent council meeting that were adopted as new policy for the foreseeable future:

–there would not be a handshake greeting at the door.

–we are encouraged to use masks and if you do not have one there will be disposable masks available.

—please sit at social distance from other immediate families.

—Offering plates will not be passed and offerings will be gathered in a basket at the church door.

—hand sanitizer will be available as usual.

—after worship, conversations should be moved to the outside of the building if possible. The open air is the enemy of this virus.

Looking to scripture for guidance, in the Old Testament the prophet Micah spoke to people in uncertain times about what God requires of Faithful people. God’s directive:

DO JUSTICE

LOVE KINDNESS

WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD

I know several families who have lost loved ones of differing ages to this new and little understood illness. Please call me and one another and continue to ask God to guide us with kindness, justice and patience during this difficult time.

Please be patient, though it’s difficult. The last pandemic in 1917-1919 lasted over two years. The scriptures are full of guidance in difficult times, and we will be looking at these in days ahead.

If you are aware of anyone in the church or community who is facing immediate needs because of the pandemic please contact me or a member of the church council.

Yours in Christ,

Rev. Dave Johnston 812-934-2715- -859-466-4344

djohnston311@gmail.com

Our sister church, St. John’s UCC (Huntersville) in Batesville, has online services each Sunday starting at 10:15 am. https://www.stjohnsuccbatesville.org. Once you get on their page, follow the link to join the live service each Sunday with Rev. Joey Feldmann and organist David Hanson.

You can also tune in to WRBI Radio 103.9 FM on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for a service of word and music with Pastor Joe Foster.

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April 30, 2020 Update

Dear Friends,

I hope you are doing well and know that we need to be in each other’s prayers in these challenging times. I encourage you to pause and make your own list of those you want to pray for in your heart.

I had a good conversation with Sandy Wagner, head of the Sunman Food Pantry. The pantry has been busy, but not overwhelmed. So far, donations have been good, but we should anticipate that the needs will continue. Folks coming to the pantry must wait in their cars. Volunteers come (like the old car hops at A&W), ask how many persons are in the home, and then groceries are brought curbside. We can be proud to be part of this outreach!

Your Church Council will meet this Wednesday May 6^th to discuss plans for worship when services reopen, addressing questions of social distancing. We hope to have our first service on Sunday May 10^th at 10:30am (no Sunday School).

Looking ahead, our Sunday School is not planning to have Vacation Bible School, but has scheduled a family event for July 15. This will be the Silly Safari Animal Show, and possibly an ice cream truck in the parking lot.

In conclusion, for a bit of humor, I found a wonderful little book entitled “Comic Epitaphs”. This is a collection of grave markers from New England cemeteries. Here’s one that gave me a chuckle:

With affection,

Reverend Dave
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June 7, 2020 Homecoming Dinner – Cancelled

A message from Dwain Gesell, Church Council President

Dear Members,

Our church council, after many phone conversations, has decided to cancel our Homecoming Chicken Dinner scheduled for June 7, 2020. The current health concerns limit us from dishes being brought in from our homes for now. We don’t plan to give up on our tradition of church dinners, but we need to put this one on hold for now. Also, at present will not have worship through May 3rd. Don’t give up; together we will find a way.

During this important time, donations to our church can be mailed directly to the church office. I’m picking up the mail daily and distributing as needed.

St. John’s UCC, Penntown
8917 E County Rd 1300 N
Sunman, IN 47041
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Worship Services Resume May 24, 2020 – Memorial Day Weekend

April 30, 2020 Update

June 7, 2020 Homecoming Dinner – Cancelled

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