“LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MONDAY AFTER EASTER”

Sister and Brothers in Christ,

Monday is perhaps the most forgetful day of the week. So much of life is spent with the desire for the weekend, thinking those two days will fulfill every need and dream. More sleep…more time to work on all that we save all week to accomplish. A chance to have clean clothes again. Time with people I like. How about more time with God???

Then Monday rolls around. “How was your weekend?” someone asks. My mind goes blank.

We prepare our hearts in anticipation of Easter and the end of Lent. Palm Sunday…check! Maundy Thursday…check! Good Friday…done! We try to take the time to reflect on the cross and its significance. You feel the long, heavy pause between Good Friday and Easter Sunday…waiting for the discovery of an empty tomb and a risen Savior. And it comes. HE COMES!

And then it’s Monday.

The temptation is to treat Easter like it’s an ending. The eggs have all been found..we hope.  Jesus is risen…you went to church, and now it’s back to “normal life.”

But nothing was normal after Jesus.

Easter was a revolution. It was the day after which nothing was ever going to be the same again. When a man who claims to be God rises from the dead, “business as usual” isn’t a thing.

Easter isn’t just a time to pause and reflect on some nice truths forgotten about the rest of the year. It is the entire crux of the Christian faith. It is the only reason to hope.

If there was ever a time for significant life changes, it should be on the Monday after Easter.

Because Easter is a beginning…a new beginning…not an ending.

It’s THE beginning, the fresh start all hearts long for. It isn’t about fluffy bunnies and pastel            colors…it’s about the radical death, relentless love and revolutionary power of God.

The cross…the empty tomb and the resurrected Jesus not only give a reason to hope for change, they give the power to change. Rather than us trying to change from our own efforts, the resurrection changes you.

The life of the disciples after meeting the resurrected Jesus reminds me of this.

It was the first day of the week…it was a Monday. The disciples had locked themselves away out of fear. Everything that Jesus had taught, everything He had said or done---it all seemed like a distant memory now.

Something happened in that locked room that radically transformed them from fearful, anxious, men into witnesses who would not be silenced, would not be ashamed, would not stop sharing what Jesus had done-even at the cost of their own lives.

The resurrection was everything for them. The cross had been the death of everything they had hoped or believed was true. But it wasn’t the final end. It was only the end of who they had been, and it was the beginning of who they truly were meant to be. When Jesus came back to life, they came alive.

As we prepare once again for Holy Week…when we all will be in worship on Palm Sunday…Maundy Thursday…Good Friday, it is my prayer for all of us to pray this simple prayer, “JESUS, PLEASE DON’T LET ME FORGET. PLEASE DON’T LET ME FORGET!” Because I know that MONDAY IS COMING!

In His Holy Name, Pastor Jack, Interim

  In John 11:25-26, Jesus tells Martha,

"I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (NIV).

He promises that physical death is not the end for believers, offering eternal life through faith in Him.

Online Church Service on Facebook:

If you follow our Facebook page you should receive a notification of a "Live" video starting.    No login information will be required.  The Facebook page is St. John's Lutheran Church of Red House, MD.  If you can’t join us in person, we hope you can connect with us via Facebook anytime!

Wednesday, March 25  

7:00 pm The Union District Ministerium Association Community Lenten Service will be held at Maple Grove Assembly of God, Speaker: Pastor Lindsey Teets.

Sunday, March 29         Palm Sunday

9:30 am Communion Worship Service led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.  

Acolyte:  Youth                      Lector: Pastor Jack

10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room to continue watching The Chosen.  THE CHOSEN” series will be the focus this Lent and Holy Week on Sunday’s following worship in the Social Room. We will journey with Jesus and the disciples through Holy Week. Please plan on attending this amazing series and watching it on the new 55” TV that was donated to the church! Plan on attending and inviting someone to attend with you.

Following Bible Class, join the Dessert Club for fellowship, food, and laughs, bring a finger food snack to share, help plan upcoming church events and enjoy each other’s Christian fellowship.  Join us if you can.

Maundy Thursday, April 2

7:00 pm  Maundy Thursday Communion Service at St. John's of Red House led by Pastor Jack.  We will also have washing of the children’s feet, stripping of the altar and procession of the crown of thorns.

7:00 pm The Union District Ministerium Association Community Holy Week Service will be held with Love Feast & Communion Service at Brookside Church

Good Friday, April 3

7:00 pm Good Friday Communion Service at St. John's of Red House led by Pastor Jack.  This will be a “Tenebrae Service” of scripture readings, candles and darkness.

7:00 pm The Union District Ministerium Association Community Holy Week Good Friday Service will be held at St. Paul’s in Aurora,

Sunday, April 5             The Resurrection of Our Lord - Easter Sunday

7:00 am The Union District Ministerium Association Community Sunrise Service at St. John’s with Speaker: Pastor Jack Kiem.

Community Easter Breakfast provided by St. John’s of Red House following Sunrise Service in the church social room.  Plan to join us and bring a friend! You can sign up to help provide food in the Narthex.

9:30 am Easter Worship Service and Communion led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.            Acolyte:  Youth                      Lector: Pastor Jack

10:30 am Youth Sunday School maybe helod upstairs (to be determined by parents) but NO WITNESS 101 Adult Bible Class today.

Monday, April 6

6pm - M.O.F.F....”Men of Faith and Fire” will be hosting a “MARCH MADNESS CHAMPIONSHIP GAME PARTY” in the Social Room. Bring your favorite appetizer and what you wish to drink. Please invite a friend.

Sunday, April 12           First Sunday of Easter 

9:30 am Worship Service led by Lisa Skipper in person or via Facebook.           

Acolyte:  Youth                      Lector: Lisa Skipper

  10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room to continue watching The Chosen.  THE CHOSEN” series will be the focus this Lent and Holy Week on Sunday’s following worship in the Social Room. We will journey with Jesus and the disciples through Holy Week and beyond.

Wednesday, April 15              NEWS NOTES DUE

Saturday, April 18

2-5 pm Annual church family Bowling at The Alley in Oakland. Please sign up in the Narthex so they know how many lanes to reserve.  The church will pay for shoes and the games, but you are welcome to give a donation towards the cost if you are able.

Sunday, April 19           Second Sunday of Easter       

9:30 am Communion Worship Service led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.  

Acolyte:  Youth                      Lector: Pastor Jack

  10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room to continue watching The Chosen.  THE CHOSEN” series will be the focus this Lent and Holy Week on Sunday’s following worship in the Social Room. We will journey with Jesus and the disciples through Holy Week and beyond.

Sunday, April 26           3rd Sunday of Easter

9:30 am Communion Worship Service led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.  

Acolyte:  Youth                      Lector: Pastor Jack

  10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room to continue watching The Chosen.  THE CHOSEN” series will be the focus this Lent and Holy Week on Sunday’s following worship in the Social Room. We will journey with Jesus and the disciples through Holy Week and beyond.

Following the Adult Bible Class, The Desert Club for fellowship, food, and laughs, bring a finger food snack to share, help plan upcoming church events and enjoy each other’s Christian fellowship.

Save the Dates:

-April 18 - 2-5pm Annual church family Bowling at The Alley in Oakland

-May 2 - Horizon Academy Dinner Theater

-May 6 - 5 pm, Cemetery Clean Up

-May 9 - 6 pm, Mother Daughter Covered Dish dinner

-May 16 - 1 pm until sold out, Chicken BBQ Dinner & Bake Sale & Mom Share

(drop off baked goods by noon)

-June 15-19 - The Union District Ministerium Association Vacation Bible School

at Maple Spring

-June 21 - Father’s Day Brunch following church in the Social Room

-July 24-25 - Horizon School Dinner Theater at PVCC

-Aug. 15 - The Summer’s Last Sizzle 

Future UDMA Community Events:

-Thursday, May 7 - National Day of Prayer, Location TBA

-Sunday, August 30 - UDMA Community Picnic and Service, Amboy Church Pavilion, 11am

-June 15-19, 6:00-8:30, VBS Week at Maple Spring Church

-Saturday, November 7 - Women’s Event, Smallest Church Event Center

Assignments for April

Greeter & Usher Coordinator:   Millard Judy

Communion Assistants & Offering Assignment:  Pat Adams & DJ Wilson

Note:  We now rotate our beautiful church artificial arrangements, but we continue to note the following loved ones that the flowers are to be donated in memory or honor of:

5          Dave & Tammy Roth - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Sam Roth & Reba Williams by Dave, Tammy, Hunter, and Cheyenne Roth.

            The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given in Honor of the birthdays of Pat, Lorie, and Luke Adams and in memory of Leroy's birthday by Margie McWilliams.

12        Ken Bachtel & Family - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Dorothy Bachtel by Kenneth Bachtel and Family.

19        Barbara Cussins - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Don and in honor of our family by Barbara Cussins.

            The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Archie Lantz's 3rd birthday and Kacey Jo Cussins' 7th birthday by the Lantz Family.     

26       Marilyn Roth  & Family - The flowers on the altar are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Weir W. Roth by Marilyn Roth and Family.

            The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Aaron Lantz's & Nathan Cussins' birthdays by Arlene & Willie Lantz.

Reminder: The altar flowers are $25.00 for the two vases.  Please make a check payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church and put it in the offering plate with your name and Sunday date you had the altar flowers.  You can also mail the payment to the church at 3301 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550.   The bulletins are $7.00 per Sunday and the Eternal Candle is $7.00 per Sunday.  We wish to extend a “thank you” to everyone who participates in these projects.

Altar Flowers for 2026: Please let Arlene Lantz, alantz.4h@gmail.com or 240-321-8205 (evenings) know of any changes you would like to make to the list. September 6, 2026 is open for flowers and multiple openings for the bulletins and eternal candle if others would like to donate flowers, bulletins, or the eternal candle in honor or in memory of loved ones. 

He is Risen!

He did not stay within the tomb,

He broke the seal and conquered gloom.

The Savior lives, let joy arise,

And look toward the peaceful skies.

He is Risen! 

Sisters and Brothers of the resurrection,

“Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He Had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified,” Mark 15:15”

Growing up I heard the story of Easter…often. But one Easter, I remember walking into church, singing the great Easter songs, smelling all the lilies, hearing the verses read…and feeling NOTHING.

I used to be the young boy in church when the pastor explained the gospel of the resurrection, feeling the Spirit during worship. But then, without me even realizing it, the Good News suddenly felt like old news. I could go through the motions of Easter and never take more than five minutes to thank God.

Not only that, but sin had become more common for me. Overlooking the gospel caused me to overlook peace, conviction and joy. My selfish living was causing me restlessness.

Many of us can acknowledge we have heard the Easter gospel countless times. Many of us have heard that the Son of God was sent as a servant-sacrifice, and although He was flawless/sinless, He took on the punishment we all deserve. Because He was a perfect sacrifice and suffered death on a cross, we can finally be forgiven. Three days later, His tomb was empty. He defeated death and was resurrected from the grace, so now we have the opportunity to believe in His death and resurrection and spend eternity in heaven.

Or maybe you have never heard this before—and if that’s the case, I invite you to read the gospel by starting in the book of John. And I invite you to accept Christ as your Savior and decide to follow Him!

The message changed my life. However, in the midst of a busy life, errands and daily duties at work or school, I became numb to it. Suddenly, hearing and believing the gospel became something I put on my to-do list but easily skipped over.

Is this true for you right now? Maybe you “kind of know Jesus”, at least in your head, but when temptation is too strong in your heart, you give in. When the world is loud, you listen to it over your Savior.

When I felt this way toward the gospel, I remember reading Mark 15 and relating to Pontius Pilate. He was the governor who made the official order for Jesus to be crucified---not because he thought Jesus was bad or deserved this punishment but because the crowd wanted Jesusdead.

“WANTING TO SATISFY THE CROWD, PILATE RELEASED BARABBAS TO THEM, HE HAD JESUS FLOGGED, AND HANDED HIM OVER TO BE CRUCIFIED,” (MARK 15:15)

I’m not the governor of anything, and the only thing I’m in charge of is bringing the mac and cheese to an Easter brunch…but like Pilate, I have denied Jesus publicly. And I’ve listened to the crowd over the man who came to save my soul. Because frankly it isn’t always convenient to stand by Him right?

When we feel numb to the cross, it’s often because we’re distracted and through our daily choices, we’re denying Jesus as our Savior and listening to the crowd. There may not be a crowd yelling at us to crucify Jesus, but each day, we reside in a world that shouts lies about our Savior and our identity in Him. And without even realizing it, we begin these lies.

Jesus isn’t just a “good guy”---He’s our Savior, worthy of all praise and attention. WE were made for a relationship with Him, a consistent prayer life with Him, and a committed practice of reading His Word. Even in the busyness of our lives, we must tend to our relationship with Jesus. Only then will our hearts thaw to the gospel.

So if you feel restless and the Easter gospel has become old news, stop what you’re doing right now and talk to Jesus honestly. Pray for conviction and a heart that doesn’t get distracted by the crowd. Add prayer time and worship in your daily routine, and walk with faith-filled friends who daily point you to Jesus, even when the crowd is loud.

LET US PRAY: Dear God, remind me this Easter not to let myself become numb to the gospel. Please soften my heart and allow me to remember all You’ve done for me and all You continue to do unconditionally. Help me to remember Your power this Easter and always! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

COUNCIL UPDATES:

A Heartfelt Appreciation for Pastor Jack

We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude for Pastor Jack and the many ways he has blessed our church family. His willingness to faithfully serve here in Western Maryland—while his beloved family remains in Tampa Bay, Florida—speaks volumes about his dedication, sacrifice, and calling to ministry.

Pastor Jack has generously shared his time, talents, and heart with us. Through his meaningful sermons, compassionate visits, and commitment to outreach, he has strengthened our congregation and encouraged each of us to grow deeper in our faith. His leadership continues to inspire us to seek and follow God’s path in our lives, here at the Friendly Church on the Hill.

We are truly grateful for the spirit of renewal we are experiencing. Our church family is growing, participation in Bible study and fellowship is flourishing, and a strong sense of connection and purpose is evident throughout our congregation and community.

We thank Pastor Jack (and his family) for the positive impact he has made and continues to make in our lives. His faithfulness and guidance are a true blessing, and we look forward with hope and excitement to all that God has in store for our church.

With gratitude and appreciation,
St. John’s Council & Your Church Family

-Reminder:  Our church will be hosting the Easter sunrise service this year for the The Union District Ministerium Association. We will also serve the community breakfast if anyone would like to help prepare and serve the breakfast. Please sign up for food donations in the Narthex.

-Anyone who's interested in helping with fundraisers for the church please attend the monthly dessert club meetings. We have some exciting plans. Next meeting, Sunday, April 26th. 

2026 Lenten Offering -Throughout Lent you can give a special Lenten Offering using the envelopes in the Pews.  Mark the envelope as Lenten Offering.  The offering has been designated for the “Good Samaritan Fund” St. John’s has been established to support local families in need. Donations will be accepted through Easter Sunday.

JOURNEY OF STONES is the theme for our upcoming Lenten and Easter season. This will be a journey of prayerful and honest repentance…a powerful, life- changing journey that calls for “private” and “corporate” expression. But this will also lead us on a journey of celebration, of grace, or awe at the miracle of the empty tomb and promise of life.  Along the Lenten season, we will confess our faith, we will weep with sorrow, we will tell the truth about ourselves. We will stand together at the foot of the cross, lay our stones as well as our sins down, and leave knowing that we are loved and forgiven.        

JOURNEY OF STONES Texts Continue:

LENT #6: March 29 (Palm Sunday): “No Stones instead Palms” Matthew 21:1-11

MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 2: “Stones to Bread” Matthew 4:1-11 & Matthew 26: 26-30

GOOD FRIDAY, April 3: “The Final Stone” Matthew 27:60 and the “Service of Tenebrae” (“Darkness or Shadows” with readings and candles)

EASTER, April 5: “No More Stones….He is Alive!” (Matthew 28:1-10)….please note that St. John’s will be hosting the Union District “Sunrise Service” at 7am with a breakfast following; we will host our usual Easter service at 9:30am

Union District Ministerium Holy Week Services 2026 - 7 pm

Holy Week Services:

-Thursday, April 2 - Love Feast & Communion Service, Brookside, 7:00 pm

-Friday, April 3 - Good Friday Service, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 7:00 pm

-Sunday, April 5 - Easter Sunrise Service and Breakfast, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Red House,

 7:00 AM, Speaker: Pastor Jack Kiem

Get Well Wishes - Our love and continued prayers for Allen Strawser who continues his recovery and for Susan Baker who is battling cancer.   May God bless and keep all of our loved ones in His care. 

Congratulations…Kierra Wilson and Emily Spudy both graduated from West Virginia University on Saturday December 20, 2025.  Kierra graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Aquatic Therapy.  She will continue at WVU to obtain her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.  Emily graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and is now attending nursing school. 

THANKS….  Many thanks to Steve Cosner, Bob Boone, Josh Adams, and Peyton Wilson for working so hard to get the new audio  visual system in place. We appreciate their skill and time invested in the project.   A big thanks to Josh Adams and Brianna for putting together the March Madness fundraiser for the church.  Good luck to all and thanks to those who supported this fun event!  

Attention:  Please make your check payable to the Red House Lutheran Cemetery Association, in making a donation towards the upkeep and care of the cemetery or in memory of a loved one.  You may mail it to St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 3301 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550.  Attention Cemetery Association or place it in Diane Donham’s mailbox within the church.  There are two separate accounts one for the church and one for the Cemetery Association.  All donations are appreciated to keep the cemetery in tip-top shape. 

Cemetery Clean-Up:  Members of the Red House 4-H Club will be helping any available volunteers to clean up the church and cemetery grounds on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 beginning at 5:00 p.m.  Please bring gloves, rakes, shovels, trimmers, etc.

NOTICE – It’s the Easter season, just a reminder concerning receiving communion and your offering envelopes.  In order to be a voting member of the congregation, you must complete a communion card and contribute through your offering envelopes placed in the offering plate at least once a year.  This information is important to our church records. 

Thrivent Choice: Thrivent members have until 3/31/2026 to direct their Thrivent Choice Dollars to churches, organizations, and causes they care about.

Daily Devotional – CHRIST IN OUR HOME – a new devotional for April, May, and June is available in the vestibule.  This is a publication of the ELCA that relates to the scriptures for each week.

POP TABS: Are you continuing to save your aluminum pop tabs? Remember, this is an ongoing project for the Ronald McDonald House in Morgantown. There is a box in the narthex to place them in throughout the year. Thanks a million!

"HILL TOP BEACON" If you have any news items you wish to place in the monthly newsletter or if your address has changed, please give the information to Arlene Lantz – alantz.4h@gmail.com -Phone (240) 321-8205 (evenings) or Lisa Skipper – mdskip4@aol.com. – Phone 301-616-2477.   

BIRTHDAY CARD SHOWERS:

April:  (None)

May:

20 - Gay & Virginia Roth          24841 Seneca Trail, Thomas, WV  26292                           65

SHUT-IN LIST below is a list of persons who would enjoy receiving a thinking-of-you card.

Helen Roth            Cortland Acres -39 Cortland Acres Lane, Thomas, WV 26292

Janet Shaluta         Dennett Road Manor Nursing Home - 1113 Mary Drive, Oakland, MD 21550

Jarrod Wolfe         11020 California Avenue, Apt. A, Cumberland, MD 21502

HOSPITAL ADDRESSES:

Garrett Regional Medical Center - 251 N, Fourth St., Oakland, MD 21550

Ruby Memorial Hospital - Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506

Monongalia General Hospital - 1200 J.D. Anderson Drive, Morgantown, WV 26505

Western MD Regional Medical Center – 12500 Willowbrook Rd.   Cumberland, MD 21502

Nursing Home Addresses:

Cortland Acres -39 Cortland Acres Lane, Thomas, WV 26292

Dennett Road Manor Nursing Home - 1113 Mary Drive, Oakland, MD 21550

Oakland Nursing & Rehab Center – 706 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD  21550