St. John's Lutheran Church notes for May 3, 2009

Our Sunday Worship Services are held at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Sunday School hour is from 9:15-10:15 a.m. We offer classes for all ages. Thursday evening services begin at 7:00 p.m. A nursery is provided for children 5 and younger, Sunday mornings during the 10:30 service.

This Sunday, May 3^rd, is the Fourth Sunday of Easter. On Sunday, at the 10:30 a.m. worship service, two anthems composed in memory of Pastor Erv Walther by Joel Raney of Hope Publishing Co. will be introduced. Our adult choir will be singing "Bless the Lord" and "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms".

Pastor Erv selected Psalm 103 as one of the scriptures to be read at his resurrection celebration. Penny Walther inquired around and found a wonderful composer, Joel Raney of Chicago, Hope Publishing Co., to work with, using Erv's bio and newspaper articles to get a feel of his personality and taste in music. She only commissioned one piece of music; but, being artistic and creative, Joel felt two different types of songs coming forth as he composed. "Bless the Lord" is based on Psalm 103 with handbells and flute- enabling all our musicians to participate. "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" is an old southern gospel song with contemporary piano accompaniment- leaning toward Erv's southern upbringing and eclectic tastes. The memorial statement on "Bless the Lord"is 'In memory of Rev. Royal "Erv" Walther, Jr. who, through his 44 years of Lutheran ministry and love of music, was a blessing to his churches, family, and friends. 1934-2006'

We invite you to come and celebrate Pastor Walther's ministry by listening to these two new anthems on May 3. Sunday evening "the Point" will be at Dave Shoub's for a cook out. The Bible Study group will meet at 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening.

Tuesday the Executive and Finance Board will meet at 6:30 p.m.

On Wednesday the bell choirs will meet at their regular times. Confirmation will be at 7:00 p.m.

Rachel Circle will meet at 1:30 p.m. in the lounge. Our evening worship service begins at 7:00 p.m., every Thursday evening. The Choir will rehearse following the service.