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January 2007
Dear Christian Friends,
The month of January ushers in the Christian feast of
the Epiphany (January 6), also called the twelfth day
or little Christmas. This season commemorates three events-the
baptism of Jesus (Mark1), the visit of the wise men to
Bethlehem (Matthew2) and the miracle at Cana (John2).
In his baptism, Jesus’ sonship to God was manifested
to the world; in the visit to the wise men he was manifested
as king of the Gentiles; and at the marriage feast at
Cana, Jesus’ power to perform miracles was shown.
In popular celebration this feast is far more ancient
than Christmas. It is a day of gifts in many countries.
In the Eastern Church, the waters are blessed on this
festival day. The word Epiphany means manifestation, usually
of divine power. Thus the actual appearance of God ( as
in the burning bush) or a moment of Divine revelation
may be called an epiphany.
Maybe you will experience a divine epiphany in the new
year. The chances are much greater the closer you walk
with God. An epiphany is a gift which God offers to all
of us through His son, Jesus Christ.
Keep your eyes open,
Pastor Harry 
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February 2007
Dear Friends in Christ,
How can the season of Lent be starting in this month,
when the dust has not even settled on our Christmas decorations?
Jesus is hardly out of the manger in Bethlehem, before
he is carrying His cross to Calvary. Could we be in so
much of a hurry to crucify Jesus that we lose sight of
His earthly life and heavenly glow?
Well, we can’t blame a pagan world for the arrival
of Lent, because that’s the Christian church’s
own doing. We set the formula for the arrival of Easter,
and now we must live with it. Maybe our church fathers
hustled Lent so early into the church year, because they
understood the importance of God’s grace to our
faith journeys. Maybe it’s all about the truth that
Jesus was a gift that we didn’t have to be given.
His love and forgiveness is the essential truth that protects
us from religious arrogance and idolatry.
Try to welcome Lent’s blessing into your heart,
as another New Year breaks forth. A cross replaces colored
lights and happy tunes, but only for awhile. Jesus’
resurrection soon comes to center stage and all of us
who see God’s glory r3eceive God’s treasure…
Eternal Life.
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Harry
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March 2006
Dear Christian Friends,
What a party! Such an outpouring of love and respect!
It’s been ten years of dedication and commitment
to her Lord here at St. John’s. It’s been
a decade filled with Teresa’s creativity, energy
and love for Christ.
Serving in any church is never an easy calling and a Minister
of Music who fully participates in worship has been even
more of a challenges at making the gift of music a meaningful
expression of faith for all of us. Teresa does it so well
and it’s a wonderful sight to see so many of our
members actively respond by participating in our choirs
and Worship Teams.
Of course, Teresa has added another dimension to her activities
in the form of drama. People of all ages have been drawn
to this ministry and these opportunities present the Gospel’s
message in very meaningful ways. Watching Martin Luther
wrestle with his faith, or seeing Jesus die on the cross
sets our hearts on fire with faith and “The Word”
truly does become flesh for us. I am always amazed how
our youth seen so comfortable speaking before so many
people! Truly the Holy Spirit has a way of working through
their lives and their lessons are very powerful.
I have always believed that God guided Teresa to us, and
I continue to be amazed by her talents. I am so grateful
to have her on our staff and I thank God for her life,
faith and friendship.
Always in Christ’s Love,
Pastor Harry
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April 2007
DDear Christian Friends,
“He is Risen!” is the earliest form of the
Gospel recorded in Scripture. Gospel translates into “Good
News” and what truth could be more uplifting than
discovering that Jesus lives we too shall live. Life trumps
death and light wins over darkness. This is the fundamental
belief in Christian communities and followers of Christ
have shared this “Good News” from one generation
to the next. Without Easter, the Christian church closes
doors, because the is no reason to celebrate and all hope
is gone. Anyone can die on a cross for a good cause but
no one lives again without the miracle of God’s
power. Jesus showed us this power and He himself becomes
the miracle.
It seems that each time Lent enter our lives, someone
tries to make a splash (profit) from shaking the hearts
of the faithful. Last year it was DaVinci’s Last
Supper, now its Jesus’ family tomb and next year
who knows what? There will always be something to test
our faith. That is the nature of life and that’s
why we call our beliefs a matter of faith. Always keep
your heart and mind focused on the miracles of Easter.
Nothing will ever change that truth and its only earthly
explanation for eleven cowardly disciples becoming courageous
Christians who were willing to die for Jesus. They saw
something we have yet to see… THE RISEN CHRIST !
Happy Easter!
Pastor Harry
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May 2008
Dear Christian Friends,
Pentecost Sunday is celebrated on May 11, and we have
added a bonus to the joy of the day this year. Many
of our youth will be confirmed at the 10:30 a.m. Service,
with a celebration following in our Fellowship Hall.
It’s a great day for St. John’s Christian
family, and it’s an even more special day for
our families.
What makes Confirmation so special for families is that
a Baptism promise has been affirmed, and new doors of
hope swing open to the hearts of God’s children.
Confirmation classes may be over, but a Christian life
in our Lord’s church has just begun. Our Confirmands’
journeys will all be different, but not one of them
will ever travel alone. Jesus walks by their side, and
He will even carry them should it ever become necessary.
The prayer of all of our Youth Advisors, Sunday School
teachers, and Pastors is that our children will discover
the joy of doing something for God here at St. John’s.
That will speak louder than the grade on a Catechetical
exam or perfect attendance in class.
God has great hopes for each of our Confirmands, and
it will be exciting to watch their faith grow as they
serve their Lord.
Keeping Hope Alive,
Pastor Harry
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June 2008
Dear Christian Friends,
As I share a few thoughts with you in our June newsletter,
I find it hard to believe that I have been serving our
Lord thirty-five years. It began with my ordination at
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Reading, and it has
been a journey which included the positions of Associate
Pastor at Alsace Lutheran in Reading, and Senior Pastor
here at St. John’s Lutheran in Sinking Spring. I
have been fortunate in serving both congregations, and
especially blessed to have my wife Carole by my side.
Ministry is a very demanding calling, and a Pastor needs
the love and support of his family.
In thirty-five years no two days have ever been alike
and the joys have certainly outweighed the sadness. I
have always been surrounded by talented and caring staff,
and it has never been my style to micro-manage, because
I really believe the Holy Spirit is alive in the hearts
of God’s children. I have watched our ministries
grow, and it is always wonderful to see people use their
“spiritual gifts” in loving ways.
A friend sent me a card on my twenty-fifth anniversary
of ordination which I kept. It reads: “Serving God
is like learning to golf...keep your knees bent and your
arms extended!” Thank you for remembering my thirty-five
years in ministry. The banner you placed in the Sanctuary
in my honor very accurately tells of my thirty-five year
journey. These are David’s words from Psalm 121:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where is my
help to come? My help comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven
and earth.”
Many thanks,
Pastor Harry
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July 2008
Dear Christian Friends,
Our culture has become very calorie conscious, as we
try to keep our bodies healthy. Store shelves are filled
with low fat meals and diet sodas. We substitute a bad
fat with a good fat, and we replace sugars with other
kinds of sweeteners. Usually low fat meals and diet
drinks cost more, but we pay higher prices for the anticipated
benefits.
Sometimes Christians get the idea that substitutions
are perfectly alright when it comes to a healthy faith.
We choose to regularly stay in bed on Sundays instead
of worship. We pick some convenient verses in scripture
to support our point of view, instead of listening to
Jesus’ teachings. We choose only to use offerings
for our church’s personal needs, neglecting the
needs of others. Maybe we even feel that listening to
a television evangelist or radio preacher is all that
is necessary for our faith to grow. I think the saddest
substitute occurs when Christians choose law over gospel.
This substitute pushes God’s love and forgiveness
under the rug and elevates sin and punishment.
When our Lord said at the conviction of the adulteress
woman, “Let he who is without sin cast the first
stone”, he was warning us about the dangers of
judgment. Judgment turns “good news” (gospel)
into “bad news”, and it only nurtures self-righteousness.
There may be some benefits in food substitutes, but
there is absolutely no redeeming value when something
replaces love. “Gospel Lite” has no place
in a Christian heart.
Keep Christ Alive,
Pastor Harry
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August 2008
Dear Christian Friends,
The observance of St. John the Baptist’s martyrdom
shows up on the Christian calendar in the month of August.
No one gets a day off from work and its observance goes
pretty much ignored. Martyrdom is when a Christian gives
up his or her life for the faith. Many of the early
followers of Jesus became martyrs, like John the Baptist,
but church history books are filled with examples which
reach right into our own cemetery.
Living in a nation where we enjoy religious freedom,
it’s easy to forget the price many people have
paid and continue to pay. We may feel the pain at home,
work, or school. Trying to live a life in the Spirit
of Christ’s love often has us taking a different
road. This road is the higher ground and not necessarily
what is politically correct. John the Baptist gave up
his life for the faith. Are we willing to give up anything
at all?
Always in His love,
Pastor Bohn
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September 2007
Dear Christian Friends,
Entering the month of September, American families often
gather for fun, fellowship and food. It's called Labor
Day Holiday and together we celebrate the hard work
which built this great nation. We thank God for opportunities
of employment and the health which enables us to earn
our daily bread.
Politics aside, earning ones daily bread in 2007 has
become difficult for so many families in our nation.
The cost of living continues to rise and people of all
ages are losing their jobs which are being transplanted
to other countries. Any number of our families are being
impacted by these employment issues and it isn't difficult
for me to see their stress and feel some of their pain.
We are a family of faith which helps one another and
it's wonderful to see all the ways we people care. Let
me know if your are traveling on labor's rocky road,
because I want to help you in these troubling times.
Employers often call Pastors for serious employment
leads and all of us at times need to be reminded of
God's continuos love and comfort. When Jesus said "let
not your heart be troubled," he was not speaking
as a naive optimist. He was actually handing us a promise
which we can take to the bank. When life gets tough,
God's grip on our hearts get tighter, because he will
never let anything separate us from his love. Doors
close in life while others open. It will happen in God's
time because God is good all the time!
Keep walking in his ways,
Your Pastor and Friend,
Pastor Harry
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October 2007
Dear Christian Friends,
The new Worship Folder has arrived! It's
easier to read because the print is larger. It's easier
to follow because everything is printed in the folder.
You can use a hymnal if you choose, but you don't have
to juggle any books if you choose not to.
Our new Worship Folder includes most of the announcements
which are shared weekly and it is a convenient way to
invite a friend or neighbor to St John's. Please take
the Worship Folder you use during the service home with
you. We don't reuse them for another service that day,
because the early and late services are different.
More congregations are changing to this format because
it offers greater flexibility in designing worship.
Its been great to hear so many of your positive comments
about the worship folders. Visitors now more easily
can worship with us and the blessings of our very different
worship opportunities are enhanced. If you haven't been
to worship since we started these new folders, it's
an added reason to join your Christian family as we
sing praises to our God. Suggestions are always welcomed
and you will never show God your love and not receive
many blessings in return.
Hope to see you soon at worship!
Blessings,
Pastor Harry
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November 2006
Dear Christian Friends,
What do you forget? Birthdays, anniversaries, names?
Our national holidays are intended to remind us of special
events or people important to our history.
The prophet Jeremiah had and awesome task. He was called
to remind his people of the God whom they had forgotten.
How do you forget the God of the Universe? How do you
forget the God of your Salvation? Well, it only takes
a generation.
A child growing up in a family where God is forgotten
is a most unfortunate child. They may have the things
money can buy, but they lack the things that really
matter… Faith, Hope, and Love. No one can truly
receive these wonderful blessing apart from a relationship
with Christ. His life and teachings enrich these special
gifts beyond anything else in a person’s life.
Soon we will be celebrating Thanksgiving as a national
holiday. We are remembering our blessings and cultivating
a grateful heart. People can be thankful at this time
of year and totally exclude God. Many folks attribute
all their blessings to anyone but God. Gratitude to
God means that you make time top worship, serve and
care for your Lord’s church. I’m reminded
of these words from Proverbs 3:6:
In all ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
God is ever faithful!
Pastor Harry
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December 2007
Dear Christian Friends,
The Season of Christmas blankets the world with stories
about bright stars in the night, shepherds in the fields,
wise men from the East, a crowded Bethlehem Inn, and
a baby born in a manager to Mary and Joseph. It’s
a mysterious story because who would have ever thought
such a common birth could have such an uncommon impact
on humanity. The world Jesus was born into was not unlike
our world today. Wars were frequently fought and power
was in the hands of the few who too often abused it.
Jesus’ generation hoped for a better life, not
unlike our generation. God tried to get his message
into the people’s heart long before Jesus, but
loves healing qualities got lost in translation.
So here is where you and I come into the Christmas Story.
The gospels speak of all the angels from on high who
appeared in the sky to sings songs of joy about the
Jesus’ birth. They were happy for the savior’s
arrival, as it was never intended to be a secret. The
meaning of the word “Angel” is messenger
of God. They may have sang their songs in the Heavens,
but we must be Go’s messengers here on Earth.
When we show the world God’s love, Christmas doesn’t
get lost in the translation. When we forgive one another
and keep Christ foremost in our lives, Bethlehem’s
child is not just a holiday decoration on a front lawn.
We become part of the light in Bethlehem’s star
when we choose to part of Jesus’ better way.
Have a joyous Christmas
and be the angel God calls you to be!
Peace
Pastor Harry
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