Church Groups
THE STEPHEN MINISTERS
Beloved, let us love one another. I John 4:7
Stephen Ministry is a confidential support ministry, where our care-givers provide listening, support, prayer and presence for those in need. Currently, there are 11 active Stephen Ministers. The is a Supervisor and a Education leader, providing continuing education and leadership to the group. Pastor Diehm serves as the group’s advisor. Members of St. John’s congregation and the North Hills community continue to be served by this care giving ministry.
THE HALOS – WIDOWS SUPPORT GROUP
Our support group is known as the Halos. It means Helping and Loving Others. We practice our name by giving support to each other and new widows who we encourage to join our group.
We go out for dinner one Sunday evening a month. This year we went to the Carnegie Science Center, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, lights at Hartwood, Old Economy, the Ducky Tours, to see the Oakridge Boys as well as our monthly dinners out.
Our plans for next year include a trip to the Canadian Rockies, as well as other trips and our monthly meetings.
Our group consists of some members of St. John’s, some from St. Theresa’s and some from the community.
We have about 60 members on our mailing list and 15-25 show up monthly. We get a lot of support from each other. We try to go out on members’ birthdays and on the anniversary of the spouses death, so we are not sitting at home alone.
If you know anyone who would benefit from the Halos please call the church office.
DEBORAH MINISTRY – A small group whose task is to care for new moms and their families.
PRISCILLA GUILD - A group of women whose task is to prepare the sanctuary for all worship services. Its members care for all worship services. Its members care for the paraments, vestments and banners that visualize the church year with their colors and symbolisms. They prepare the vessels and linens used during Holy Communion and Holy Baptism and decorate the church for the Festive Services. They meet once a month.
GOLDEN FRIENDS – Senior citizens that meet the second Tuesday of each month. For ten months of the year they meet in the Fellowship Room for a Pot-Luck Luncheon and for fellowship. There is usually a program that follows each luncheon. In June and December of each year they gather for lunch and a program at Carmody’s Restaurant.
LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN - Currently there are two groups of women who meet monthly. Faith Circle meets the third Tuesday in the evening and the Peace Circle meets the third Wednesday morning. The groups meet for Bible Study, book reviews and discussions or current issues. In addition, members involve themselves in various service projects.
INBETWEENERS – A group that is geared to fun and fellowship. Dinner/programs are held in the church once or twice a year. Activities which involve dinner and some special event or activity outside the church are also held once or twice a year. It may involve a one-day train trip; or a night out for dinner and theater. For the most part the group ranges in ages from the early 50’s through the 70’s, but there are no rules and no one is ever turned away.
ACTIVE ADULTS is a group of men and women that are too old for the youth group yet don’t see themselves in the “Inbetweeners” yet. Also geared toward fellowship, the members are of varying ages and marital status. Active adults enjoy a fall hayride, Christmas caroling, and other fun and service projects.
In addition to these groups, there are a number of small groups that meet for Bible study and mutual support and accountability. A number of our members find strength and friendship through these groups. Examples of these are the “Young Marrieds” group and the Growth Group.
