Pastor's Page
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Summer is usually bright and cheerful. It invites us to stay outside a bit longer as the sunshine stretches the day longer. We sometimes like to complain, “It’s sure hot outside,” but we still enjoy the feelings of freedom and relaxation that summer gives.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons. Trees are in full leaves, flowers and vegetable gardens are in full bloom, and shorts and t-shirts rule the day. Daylight is plentiful and it appears that there is more time for everything. As a kid, I remember playing outside until my father would whistle me home until well past dark.
Summer brings fun opportunities for laughter and happiness…the picnics, the vacations, and all the get-togethers with family and friends. Author Barbara Johnson says, “ Human beings thrive on laughter. Since most of us can’t afford to vacation in Hawaii or Europe or beyond, we have to learn to make our own fun! The best way to do that is to keep your state of mind green and golden: first recycle, or produce joy wherever and however you can find it.”
Scripture is abundant with reminders about the place that joy should have in our lives.
“OUR MOUTHS WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, OUR TONGUES WITH SONGS OF JOY. THEN IT WAS SAID AMONG THE NATIONS, ‘ THE LORD HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR THEM.’” Psalm 126:2
“GREAT ARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD; THEY ARE PONDERED BY ALL WHO DELIGHT IN THEM.” Psalm 111: 2
“SHOUT FOR JOY TO GOD, OUR SOURCE OF STRENGTH! SHOUT OUT TO THE GOD OF JACOB!” Psalm 81:1
Joy grows from a deep place in our souls where we meet with God honestly and humbly. A place where we learn more about Him and how our relationship can grow stronger. In this place, we discover a peace that is ‘beyond all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7). Through this peace we can begin to experience a joy that is not dependent on the happenings of the moment…because our strength is not in ourselves…but in Christ.
Summer is a great time for us to experience the joy that living in Christ brings us, allowing us to enjoy all that God provides. As we experience God’s joys through the beauty of nature, the sound of children’s laughter, or recounting a funny story with family and friends, be sure to share it. Our joy is multiplied when we do.
Just take the time…each day…to savor the blessings that God gifts to each one of us even without our asking! Also enjoy a nice cool beverage of your choosing!
Blessings and prayers,
Pastor Jack, Interim
“WELCOME TO ST. JOHN’S & AMERICA”
We all welcome our two newest friends Dylan Visser & Ben Walters to St. John’s and to America! They arrived about a month ago from South Africa to begin a 6 month adventure with the Lantz family. Neither Dylan nor Ben have ever been to America.
They will be working under the H2A “Agricultural Program” experiencing all aspects of the agricultural opportunities available to them. The H-2A program allows Maryland farmers to hire foreign nationals for temporary or seasonal agricultural work. The young men will work with the Lantz family on their produce farm until they return home on October 31.
Dylan comes from the more mountainous area of South Africa called Hoedspruit. Dylan worked with logistics and scheduling deliveries in a large egg production facility. Dylan likes hunting, fishing and all sorts of outdoor experiences. He has a large extended family and spends a great deal of time with them. He sees this experience as a great opportunity to expand his vision for his future.
Ben comes from Hoopstad area which is more of the plains of South Africa and is about 450 miles (700km) from Dylan. Ben has worked on a large watermelon and pumpkin farm in South Africa. He loves hiking, swimming and also many other outside activities. His goal is to perhaps one day live in America where he can continue to expand his knowledge and opportunities in agriculture.
We pray that they will both have a great experience at St. John’s and all that America has to offer. May God bless and protect them always. Let us all give Dylan and Ben a great and warm “St. John’s WELCOME to the Friendly Church on the Hill!”
Pastor Jack, Interim
NOTE: “WELCOME TO ST. JOHN’S & AMERICA SHOWER” for Ben Walters and Dylan Visser, both from South Africa. They are working with the Lantz family until October 31st under a special agriculture outreach program. We would like to present them with a welcome basket. Please bring any non-perishable snack items (they like beef jerky and flavored Mt. Dew :), toiletries, gift cards for local food places (Shop & Save, Sheetz, McDonalds, Arbys, Burger King...) and place them in the blue container in narthex. Your gifts are deeply appreciated. We will be collecting throughout the month of June! We are all reminded that we have been “BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!”
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 Evangelical Lutheran Church of Red House, MD. If you can’t join us in person, we hope you can connect with us via Facebook anytime!
JUNE CALENDAR of EVENTS
Friday - Saturday, June 5-6
Synod Assembly will be held at the Mon County 4-H Center in Mylan Park in Morgantown, WV.
Sunday, June 7 2nd Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Worship Service led by Levi Lantz in person or via Facebook. Pastor Jack will be visiting family in Florida from June 1-12. Please contact Crystal Boone for any emergency.
Acolyte: Youth
Sunday, June 14 3rd Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Communion Worship Service led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.
Acolyte: Youth
Reminder: St. John's is hosting the Monday evening meal for the Union District VBS. There is a sign-up sheet for items needed for that meal. Please bring your donated food items to the church on Sunday, June 14.
Sunday, June 14 FLAG DAY
Flag Day is a holiday celebrated on June 14 in the United States. It commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.
Monday, June 15 News Notes Due
Monday - Friday, June 15-19
Community Bible School at Maple Spring Church in Eglon, WV from 6 - 8 pm. A light supper will be served each day from 5-5:45 pm. If you are interested in volunteering or have children to attend contact Pastor Jack at 301-334-4778.
Sunday, June 21 4th Sunday After Pentecost, Happy Father’s Day &
First Day of Summer
9:30 am Communion Worship Service led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.
Acolyte: Youth
Sunday June 21-27 Camp Luther
Sunday, June 28 5th Sunday After Pentecost
9:30 am Communion Worship Service led by Pastor Jack in person or via Facebook.
Acolyte: Youth
Following Worship, 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.
3pm “MEN OF FAITH & FIRE” (M.O.F.F.)
“MEN OF FAITH & FIRE” (MOFF) will be celebrating all “fathers” and friends on SUNDAY, JUNE 28th . We will gather at church at 3pm or travel directly to the “Adams Family Hunting Cabin” for an afternoon of clay shooting, fellowship and food. Bring your own shotgun(if you don’t have one you can share); ammo and your own chair. Hot dogs and sausages will be provided. You are asked to bring some other food to share along with your own beverage of choice. There is a sign up sheet for this event at the church so plans can be made. INVITE A FRIEND TO COME ALONG ALSO. Please note that if the weather does not cooperate it will be rescheduled. If you have any questions, please contact Pat or Joshua Adams.
Assignments for June
Greeter & Usher Coordinator: Bob Boone
Communion Assistants; & Offering Assignments: Steve Cosner & Lisa Skipper
FLOWERS FOR JUNE
7 Terri Winters, Kim Sisler, Sarah Long - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Brandon McWilliams by Terri Winters, Kim Sisler, and Sarah Long family.
14 Steve and Diana Evans - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of the birthday of Wanda L. Evans and in memory of Cecil Evans by Steve & Diana Evans.
21 Steve and Janet Cosner - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Benny and Jane Cosner by the Steve and Janet Cosner Family.
The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Levi Lantz's birthday by Arlene & Willie Lantz
28 Donna & Bennie Pook - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Mildred & Elliott Shaffer and Faye & Pearl Hauser by Donna & Bennie Pook.
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.
A Season of Grace
In the warmth of the sun and the bright summer sky,
We see the Creator’s good gifts passing by.
The beauty of nature, the birds in their flight,
Remind us of mercy and morning’s first light.
Through valleys of green and the blossoms that sway,
The Lord walks beside us to brighten the way.
May this season of rest be a season of grace,
Where we feel His great love in each welcoming place.
Let the warmth of His spirit take root in our soul,
To comfort, to guide, and to make our hearts whole.
With every new sunrise, a blessing is poured—
Rejoice in the summer, the gift of the Lord.
NEWS NOTES
St. John's Good Samaritan Fund
We now have this amazing fund to assist members as well as our brother’s and sister’s in the surrounding communities to assist financially at a time of crisis and loss. We have already sent out assistance to a number of families who have experienced loss due to fires, etc. We are all encouraged to support this fund as you are able. Simply place/or send your donation made payable to “St. John’s Lutheran Church.” with a memo “Good Samaritan Fund. These gifts will be a blessing for all those who are experiencing loss. At this time, we now have $1,045 in this fund. Please always remember that ALL HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING!
Save the Dates:
-June 15-19 - The Union District Ministerium Association Vacation Bible School
at Maple Spring
-June 28 - Father’s Day MOFF Event - Clay pigeon shoot & picnic at Adams camp
-July 14 - 2 pm, Memorial for Ethel Cosner at St. John’s
-July 24-25 - Horizon School Dinner Theater at PVCC
-August 15 - The Summer’s Last Sizzle
-October 9 - Mark your calendar for “Trivia Night”
Future UDMA Community Events:
-Sunday, August 30 - UDMA Community Picnic and Service, Amboy Church Pavilion, 11am
-Saturday, November 7 - Women’s Event, Smallest Church Event Center
Congratulations – To Theresa Harsh-Anthony and Michael Beard who were united in marriage on Friday, May 15, 2026 at St. John’s. We pray that God will bless them with many wonderful years together full of health and happiness!
THANKS TO ALL who worked, attended and supported the Horizon Academy Dinner Theater. It was a great meal and play that was written by Pastor Jack and performed by the students of the school.
FUNDRAISER SUCCESS - Many thanks to those that worked and supported the church Chicken BBQ Dinner & Bake Sale! The event proceeds totaled $3,753 thanks to our great cooks and talented bakers! Thanks to Hunter Moon who organized the free Mom’s Share of children's clothing and toy give away. It was a great day to share God’s love with others!
THANKS TO - The Delsignore Foundation for their generation donation to the church…and to Gay and Virginia Roth for their generous donation toward the paving of the church parking lot. Blessed to be a blessing to others!
ATTENTION – CEMETERY LOT OWNERS AND FAMILIES OF LOVED ONES
Memorial Day is coming soon. I am asking that all families come and wipe off their loved ones’ tombstones and in-ground plaques and monuments. The grass and dirt has covered the ground level plaques, and several monuments are covered with moss and dried grass. The Cemetery Association provides general maintenance and upkeep to the grounds, roads and flags. Families are responsible for any repairs and upkeep to the monuments and burial markers for their loved ones. Any other decorations placed on the graves must be located adjacent to the stone/monument so the mowing of the graveyard is not hampered. These are also maintained by the family and should be removed when faded/worn.
REMEMBER – 1) Flowers/ornaments are to be securely attached to the monument or placed directly against the monument so that the mowing of the cemetery is not hampered.
No items are to be randomly placed on any other place on the gravesite.
2) Diane Donham must be notified in advance of plans to set a monument on a gravesite so that the space can be properly marked. Nothing is to be placed without prior permission.
3) The expenses continue for the cemetery grounds and the Association relies on the families’ donations to maintain the grounds where their loved ones rest. Make checks payable to the Red House Lutheran Cemetery Association. Mail to: 3301 Garrett Highway, Oakland, MD 21550 – ATTN: Diane Donham.
The Red House Lutheran Cemetery Association would like to thank the following people for their donations and memorial gifts to the upkeep of the cemetery property:
- In Memory of Carl & Lola Bachtel, grandparents, by Janice Lantz
- In Memory of William & Bernice Roth by Sue Ann Myers
- Donation by John & Linda Maroney
A BIG THANK-YOU to the Red House 4-H Club members and families for the great job of cleaning up the church and cemetery grounds. The weather did not cooperate but the group powered through. Leaves were removed from the church window wells and bushes, and the winter's cinders and gravel were removed from the banks and front parking area. It looks GREAT and is GREATLY appreciated.
Get Well Wishes– Our love and continued prayers for Allen Strawser, Susan Baker and for Gay Roth. May God bless and keep all of our loved ones in His care.
Sympathy – to the family and friends of Roger Forman, of Aurora, went to be with the Lord on May 1, 2026, after a long journey with Parkinson's Disease. We pray God will bless his family with their fondest memories and grant them comfort.
THANKS to all the ladies that attended our annual Mother/Daughter Dinner and enjoyed the bounty of delicious food and fellowship! Thanks to Pastor Jack and Crystal Boone who provided an inspirational skit, to Hunter Moon who provided a craft for all to do, and to Stephanie Arnett for the beautiful table decorations. Thanks to Levi, Mariah, & Rylie Lantz of ALL Greenhouse who presented a flower to all mothers at the dinner and at church and a beautiful hanging basket to Margie McWilliams and Almeda Lipscomb, our oldest moms present at church on Mother’s Day. May God grant all our mothers’ patience and wisdom to lead in His Godly way. May God bless all who do God’s work doing for others!
Camp Luther Registration - June 21-27, 2026 is now open.
https://camplutherwv.com/registration/camper-application-2/
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 or Lisa Skipper – mdskip4@aol.com. – Phone 301-616-2477.
BIRTHDAY CARD SHOWERS:
June:
3 - Roger & Connie Evans 801 Maple Spring Hwy. – Eglon, WV 26716 65
July:
7 - Jarrod Wolfe 11019 B Old Mt. Savage Road. LaVale, MD 21501 50
18 – Carolyn Laurie 23360 George Washington Hwy., Aurora, WV 26705 86
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