On Saturday, November 16, 2024 St. John’s was blessed to host a retreat led by Pastor Dave Daubert and Deacon Marlene Daubert. Content centered around what it means to be Lutheran. This retreat was the launch for the Small Group that began on Monday, November 18, focusing on the book “Lutheran Trump Cards” written by Pastor Daubert. Together we’re learning more about living Lutheran lives, growing our faith, and sharing our stories with each other.
A Salute to Our Veterans
On Thursday, November 14, 2024 St. John’s was honored to host the Rotary Club of Boyertown, Boyertown Middle School Show Choir, Boyertown High School NJROTC, and keynote speaker, Major Daniel Fair, US Air Force, retired for an evening of tribute and gratitude for all veterans.
LIFT – Living in Faith Together 2024
On three Wednesdays in September, participants gathered for LIFT. LIFT is designed to foster intergenerational community by bringing generations together around tables for four activities each week: Sharing Food (breaking bread together), Enjoying Fellowship (playing together), Worshipping (praying together), and Studying the Bible (studying God’s word together).
Potato Project – Harvest 2024
On Sunday, September 8, volunteers gathered in Fleetwood to harvest potatoes from the fields. Six thousand pounds of potatoes were harvested in just a few hours. These potatoes will be donated to local food banks through the organization iHart Harvest.
Summer Youth Retreat 2024
From Sunday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 31, our students and chaperones spent time camping in Avalon, NJ. The trip focused on various topics including personal stewardship, what the Holy Spirit means to us, Bible journaling, and leadership qualities.
The Ringgold Band Concert
On June 29, 2024, St. John’s hosted the incredible energy and talent of The Ringgold Band! This concert was free and open to the public.
Preschool Field Day & Graduation 2024
The end of the school year brings days filled with fun and memory-making! Preschoolers enjoyed outdoor games, playtime, and a treat from Rita’s at Field Day. We sent our oldest students off with a celebration of their preschool years at graduation on May 22. Thank you to families for sharing these precious lives with us to nurture and teach about God’s love for all!
Potato Project Seed Cutting 2024
On April 20 St. John’s participated with IHartHarvest, Inc. to help cut seed potatoes. Volunteers from St. John’s and our neighbor Good Shepherd UCC signed up to take a 50-lb bag of seed potatoes (or more than one!) home or to cut on-site in our parking lot for the upcoming planting season. Eighty bags were cut! Each 50-lb bag will yield approximately 400 pounds of potatoes! Each year, IHartHarvest helps provide food for some 60,000 children, youth, families, veterans, and adults in need in our surrounding communities. To find out more, visit their website.
Easter Worship Celebration 2024
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
Wellspring Karitas – Mexico
Ten members of St. John’s traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico in January 2024 to join with staff of Wellspring Karitas (Berwyn, PA) to learn, serve, and grow in faith. They experienced firsthand the grassroots projects developed there that allow local disabled people to have full-time, fair-wage employment; encourage young people to stay in school through alternative education; support local farmers, and feed marginalized populations and build community.
Christmas Day Meal 2024
On Monday, December 25, St. John’s hosted their annual Christmas Day Meal, free to the community.
Christmas Eve Worship 2023
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Directors Big Band Christmas Concert
On Saturday, December 9, 2023 St. John’s welcomed the festive sounds of the Directors Big Band for a Christmas concert. Photos courtesy of Lee Schultz.
Community Thanksgiving Meal
On Sunday, November 19, 2023 St. John’s welcomed the Boyertown High School Show Choir as musical guests for worship. After a meaningful service with a message on the power of our words, and the musical gifts of our community’s young people, guests moved to the Lower Level for some more singing and then on to Fellowship Hall for a Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings.
Vacation Bible School – Food Truck Party 2023
The week of June 19 was filled with lessons on Matthew 6:11 – Give us this day our daily bread. Over 70 children participated in our Food Truck Party-themed VBS – “We’re on a roll with God!” With 40 volunteers helping out, we focused on how God’s goodness is shown to us and ways we can show God’s goodness to others. The last day of VBS brought the fun of a real food truck with Kona Ice to enjoy!
Leader’s Retreat 2023
On April 28 and 29, 2023, leaders from St. John’s spent time together in prayer, holy conversation and bible study devoted to growing the body of Christ and integrating our core values in every aspect of our life together.
Bread, Bowl & Bible 2023
On March 12 and 19, St. John’s hosted Bread, Bowl & Bible, a program sponsored by the Oley Lutheran Cluster of Churches. Attendees were immersed in the ancient religious practices of lament and hope. Voices of our Native American and Jewish neighbors were welcomed from presenters, President R. Guy Erwin of United Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg and Philadelphia and Rabbi Brian Michelson of Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Reading. Along with the presentations, a meal of soup and bread was enjoyed by those attending.
Welcoming All 2023
Over the weekend of February 17-19, St. John’s members gathered for a retreat and lunch & learn event focused on being a congregation that welcomes all. This was a truly uplifting time, with heartfelt discussion, prayer and much work. The goal is to be an inclusive congregation in a very homogeneous community. This is what Jesus did – he welcomed all: the sinners, the downtrodden, people of other cultures, those whose illnesses made them pariahs, the lost, etc. – how can we do otherwise?
Fiddler on the Roof 2023
On Wednesday, January 18, St. John’s hosted the Kutztown-based theatre group, Talisman Players in a preview performance of Fiddler on the Roof. The show was free and open to the public, with a free-will offering benefitting the Talisman Players.
Handel’s Messiah 2022
On Sunday, December 4, St. John’s was the proud sponsor of the Reading Choral Society and Boyertown High School Select Choir in a production of Handel’s Messiah.
Roll of Honor Dedication 2022
On October 2, members of our congregation attended an official dedication of the Roll of Honor plaque at the General Carl Spaatz Museum. This plaque recognizes the 350 men and women from St. John’s that served our country during World War II.
Worship Team Retreat 2022
On August 19 and 20, our worship team attended a retreat focused on planning for 2023. Through much prayer, holy conversation, and bible study they determined a clearer picture of our purpose in God’s mission.
Come to the Table – July 4th Picnic 2022
On Saturday, July 2, our usual Come to the Table take-out meal transformed into a picnic in celebration of Independence Day. Guests were welcomed with hamburgers and hot dogs fresh off the grill as well as other picnic foods and Rita’s Water Ice, along with games of cornhole and can jam. Building relationships is the focus of our Come to the Table ministry, so joining in conversation over a meal was very much welcomed after a long hiatus from gathering in-person on Saturday nights since the pandemic began. Plans are in the works for our next outdoor gathering – stay tuned!
Boyertown Middle School West Visit 2022
At the end of May, 6th grade students from Boyertown Middle School West had the opportunity to explore the Boyertown area to learn some local history, but more importantly to gain a greater respect and appreciation for all that our community has to offer. St. John’s hosted 6 groups of students, teaching them about the history of our church and our service within the community.
Stewardship Retreat 2022
On April 29-30, key leaders and staff were invited to a retreat centered on Stewardship. Sharing ideas, growing together in faith, and focusing on who we do the work for – God! Time well-spent in prayer, bible study and having holy conversation.
Love Thy Neighbor | A Fundraiser for Ukraine 2022
St. John’s sponsored a fundraising event for Ukraine at the General Carl Spaatz Museum on Saturday, March 26 from 5-7 pm. A $20 ticket provided admission to the museum with a guided tour, hors d’oeuvres and beverages and a presentation about Boyertown’s once sister city, Bohodukhiv Ukraine. Donations collected during and after the event were sent to Lutheran World Relief to benefit the people of Ukraine as they struggle for survival amidst the invasion by Russia. The total amount raised reached $16,6522.
Come to the Table | Free Take-Out Meal Saturday Nights
At St. John’s we are committed to filling bellies and warming hearts at our Saturday evening meal! This opportunity is open to everyone in our community. Dinner is now served take-out style every Saturday from 4:30 – 5:30 pm. You can enter our parking lot at N. Reading Ave or Walnut St and follow traffic directors to pick up your meal. No registration necessary.