Evangelism and Communications

The Evangelism and Communications Committee encourages members to make St. John's a welcoming place and reach out with the Love of God and the Community. They oversee the website and facebook, and initiated the monthly electronic newsletter. 

Council Committee Chairs:  Jim Peterson & Judi Rogers

Long Range Planning

This committee endeavors to determine the long-term needs for an effective ministry at St. John's. We try to visualize where we will be one, five, or ten years from now. Will we be meeting the needs of our parishioners and those of our community?  For this to happen, each of us at St. John's must continually renew our baptismal vows and our commitment to truly become disciples for Christ. In the past, Long Range Planning was the "germination" group for the building and renovation project and our St. Afterschool ministry; more recently Long Range Planning oversaw the creation of the Labyrinth for prayer and meditation, and has guided the process to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation.  This committee is responsible for the Strategic Plan for St. John's.

Council Committee Chair: Brenda Neundorf

Christian Education

The responsibility of Christian Education is to provide learning opportunities for all members of the congregation. This is accomplished through Sunday School from kindergarten through adults, Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, First Communion and Confirmation Instruction, and Inquirer Classes.

Council Committee Chair: Brenda Neundorf

Youth

The purpose of the Youth Committee is to nurture young people, along with their families in and around St. John's community in a Christian setting. Our main goal is to establish active youth participation, to share The Good News with all youth, and to encourage the young to serve God by serving others in the world. The Youth Committee organizes youth events such as Souper Bowl of Caring, trips to the Pittsburgh Zoo, bowling outings and like activities, youth-ed worship, and many other activities. The Youth and Christian Education Committees work hand-in-hard to reach these goals. 

Council Committee Chair: Brenda Neundorf

Fellowship

The Fellowship Committee is responsible for planning and overseeing special church activities such as the Mardi Grad / Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner, the Easter breakfast, and the St. John's summer picnic; as well as receptions for occasions including First Communion, Confirmation, and recognizing high school and college graduates. The Fellowship Committee often teams up with other committees to provide food for gatherings as we celebrate ministry and community together. 

Council Committee Chair: David Lundie

Finance

The Finance Committee is responsible for the management of the congregation's money, investments, and insurance needs. The Treasurer and Financial Secretary are part of the committee, which oversees an annual audit of all the congregation's books. We make recommendations to the Congregation Council for financial investments and yearly budgets. Through the Financial Secretary, the committee organizes the counters and sends out financial giving statements to members of the congregation.

Council Committee Chair: Sherie Cannin

Treasurer: Cindy Haag

Organ Fund Treasurer: Steve Grbach

Financial Secretary: Theresa Drye

Mutual Ministry

The ministry of this committee is to promote healthy relations and address concerns between staff and the congregation. This committee conducts yearly staff evaluations and makes compensation recommendations. Members of this committee are appointed and serve three year terms.

Council Committee Liaison: Brian Maderas
Committee Chair:  Sue Ward

Property

The Property Committee is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of our church building and grounds. Property works with the custodian and other committees for repairs, preventative maintenance, lawn and landscaping care. Property also takes care of putting up the Christmas tree and placing the crosses on the front lawn for Lent and Easter. 

Council Committee Chairs: Ed Ward

Social Ministry

Social Ministry strives to help those in need by encouraging support for  ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response. This committee sponsors our ELCA missionary, Pastor Jeffrey Truscott, as he teaches God's Word in Singapore. Social Ministry oversees the Giving Tree in December to help families at MA's Pantry have a nicer Christmas, and Blankets through Church World Service in February.  This committee has gathered school supplies to pack in school bags for Lutheran World Relief to provide to children in need. The committee has periodically held Senior Information Fairs.

Council Committee Chair:  Joan Berresford

Stewardship

The Stewardship Committee holds a Fall Stewardship Emphasis using time and ability commitment sheets and financial pledge cards. This committee also promotes special appeals for ministries such as Glade Run, Lutheran Services, Bethesda Children's Home, and Gettysburg Seminary.

Committee Chair: Richard Barr

Worship and Music

This committee is centered around planning and coordinating our ongoing services and special worship events, such as our annual outdoor service at White Oak Park, the Hanging of the Greens service during Advent, Lenten and Holy Week services, and Festival Services on Christmas and Easter. 

Council Committee Chair:  Cody Schaar

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild, as part of Worship and Music, is responsible for preparing the altar for services. Following the service, the Altar Guild cleans and cares for candles, communion ware, and items used during the service. Typically, one or two members serve each month, with all the members of the Altar Guild sharing the duties throughout the year.  The Altar Guild, along with the assistance of the Pastor, will also hang the appropriate banners.  The Guild also helps to decorate the church for Christmas and Easter.

If you are interested in serving on the Altar Guild, please contact Carla Schlegel.