“A PRAYER FOR AUTUMN DAYS!”

Autumn is officially here and I couldn’t be happier…it is my favorite season. No…not for the candy corn, never; pecan pie, yes; apple cider, of course; you can add your favorites! But it is also a time for remembering and celebrating the “bountiful harvest of our faith.” So take the time to pray this prayer with all.

GOD OF THE SEASONS, THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING; THERE IS A TIME FOR DYING AND A TIME FOR RISING. 

WE NEED COURAGE TO ENTER INTO THE TRANSFORMATION PROCESS.

GOD OF AUTUMN, THE TREES ARE SAYING GOODBYE TO THEIR GREEN AND LETTING GO OF WHAT HAS BEEN. 

WE, TOO, HAVE OUR MOMENTS OF SURRENDER, WITH ALL THEIR INSECURITY AND RISK.

HELP US TO LET GO WHEN WE NEED TO DO SO.

GOD OF FALLEN LEAVES LYING IN COLORED PATTERNS ON THE GROUND, OUR LIVES HAVE THEIR OWN PATTERNS.

AS WE SEE THE PATTERNS OF OUR OWN GROWTH, MAY WE LEARN FROM THEM. 

GOD OF MISTY DAYS AND HARVEST MOON NIGHTS, THERE IS ALWAYS THE DIMENSION OF MYSTERY AND WONDER IN OUR LIVES. 

WE ALWAYS NEED TO RECOGNIZE YOUR POWER-FILLED PRESENCE.  MAY WE GAIN STRENGTH FROM THIS. 

GOD OF HARVEST WAGONS AND FIELDS OF RIPENED GRAIN, MANY GIFTS OF GROWTH LIE WITHIN THE SEASON OF OUR SURRENDER. 

WE MUST WAIT FOR HARVEST IN FAITH AND HOPE.

GRANT US PATIENCE WHEN WE DO NOT SEE THE BLESSINGS. 

GOD OF GEESE GOING SOUTH FOR ANOTHER SEASON, YOUR WISDOM ENABLES US TO KNOW WHAT NEEDS TO BE LEFT BEHIND AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE CARRIED INTO THE FUTURE.

WE YEARN FOR INSIGHT AND VISION.

GOD OF FLOWERS TOUCHED WITH FROST AND WINDOWS WEARING WHITE DESIGNS

WE PRAY FOR YOUR LOVE AND GRACE TO ENGULF US AND PREPARE US FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS YOU GIFT TO ALL NO MATTER WHAT SEASON WE ARE IN.

Rooted in faith; Overflowing with Thanks,

Pastor Jack, Interim

Isaiah 41:10

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."

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!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project - St. John’s is excited to once again take part in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project! From October 1 through November 15, 2026, we’ll be collecting shoe boxes filled with gifts to bless children around the world with the love of Christ.  All shoe boxes will be delivered to a local collection site during the week of November 16–23, 2026. Labels and easy-to-follow packing instructions will be available at the church to help you get started.  Let’s join together in making a difference—one shoebox at a time!

Sunday, October 4 thru Saturday 10         National 4-H Week

4-H is a community of young people and volunteer leaders across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.  Our church has youth in the following local 4-H Clubs: Country Explorers, Eglon Mountaineers and Red House 4-H Club.

Sunday, October 4        19th   Sunday After Pentecost & Appalachian Sunday

For Appalachian Sunday, please bring any crafts, quilts or wares to display for this Sunday.  We will also collect non-perishable food items to be given to a local food bank.

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

Acolyte:  Youth

10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room with the series “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE.”

Wednesday, October 7 thru Sunday 11     Autumn Glory Festival

The Saturday Autumn Glory parade is scheduled as well as the craft shows at the Oakland Farmers Market, and Sunday Car Show…Check the schedule for different events this year.

Friday, October 9

Trivia Night at Mount Grove Community Building. Doors open at 6PM.

Sunday, October 11                20th Sunday After Pentecost    

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

Acolyte:  Youth

10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room with the series “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE.”

Monday, October 12               Columbus Day

October 12, 1492, is of enormous significance in Western history: It is the day when explorer Christopher Columbus completed his journey across the Atlantic Ocean and landed in the “New World.”  What Columbus actually reached on that October day was an island he named San Salvador that is now part of the Bahamas.

Wednesday, October 14

6:00 pm - Church Council meeting in the Social Room.

Thursday, October 15            News Notes Due

Sunday, October 18                21st  Sunday After Pentecost 

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

Acolyte:  Youth                

10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room with the series “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE.”

 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. 

Monday, October 19

5:00 pm Music & Worship Committee meeting in the parsonage.

Wednesday, October 21

6:00-8:00 pm The Straight Arrow Archers Center Shot Ministry Program will continue at the Mt. Grove VFD Community Building.  The program is for children ages 7 through adult.  If you are interested in learning how to shoot a bow and learn more about God, reach out to Bob Boone at 304-698-7020.  Proverbs 3:6:  In all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. 

Sunday, October 25                Reformation Sunday

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

Acolyte:  Youth

10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class in the social room with the series “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE.”

Assignments for October

            Communion Assistants; & Offering Assignments:   Steve Cosner and DJ Wilson

4          Steve and Janet Cosner & Family - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Ben and Phyllis Knepp by the Steve and Janet Cosner Family.

11        Barbara Cussins - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of our children Don & Greg Cussins and Debbie Mullins and in memory of Don Cussins by Barbara Cussins.

The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given in Loving Memory of Jessie and Lester Bachtel, Rod and Brandon McWilliams, and Jerry Laurie by Carolyn Laurie

18        Steve Gnegy - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of our parents Lorraine and Norma Gnegy by their children. .

The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given in honor of our family and in memory of Don by Barbara Cussins.

25        Pat Rolf - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Peck Calhoun and Don Rolf by Pat Rolf.

The Eternal Candle is given to the Glory of God and in memory of Gerald Lipscomb by Almeda.

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 2027: 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 5 and 26, 2027 are 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.

The Quiet Hand

The golden days of summer yield,

To cooler nights and harvested field.

The trees let go of green and gold,

As autumn whispers, sharp and cold.

Yet in the rustle of the breeze,

And falling leaves from tired trees,

We see a design, steady and grand,

Held safely in a Father's hand.

No changing season comes unsent,

No shifting time or wind is spent,

Without His grace to guide our way,

From morning light to closing day.

So let us rest as nature rests,

Secure in where His love invests,

And praise the One who rules above,

In changeless, everlasting love.

Council Updates -

-Council is in need of up to three council members, so please prayerfully consider giving of your time and talents to serve a 3-year council term.  Please talk with Pastor Jack if you are interested. 

Save the Dates:

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project - St. John’s is excited to once again take part in Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project! From October 1 through November 15, 2026, we’ll be collecting shoe boxes filled with gifts to bless children around the world with the love of Christ.  All shoe boxes will be delivered to a local collection site during the week of November 16–23, 2026. Labels and easy-to-follow packing instructions will be available at the church to help you get started.  Let’s join together in making a difference—one shoebox at a time!

-October 9 - “Trivia Night” at Mt. Grove Community Building. Doors open and food at 6 pm with Trivia starting at 7 pm.  Start putting together your team of up to 4 people at a cost of $10 per person.  Your team is encouraged to dress in your favorite Halloween costume to win the best team costume prize!   The trivia will be a variety of topics.  The winning team will win cash prize!

-November 8th - The annual congregational meeting will be held following our church service to approve the 2027 budget, elect new council members.

Gifts & Giving/Stewardship Appeal for 2027 called “GROWING OUR FAITH THROUGH GENEROSITY!” It will begin on Sunday, November 8 and will conclude on “Celebration Sunday” November 22 with a Thanksgiving feast following worship in the Social Room.

-Sunday, November 22nd  -  Our annual Thanksgiving Covered Dish Lunch which will be  following church service.  Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy will be provided.  Bring a covered dish, friends and family to join us!

-January 10, 2027 - 17th Day after Christmas Celebration - pulled pork BBQ provided, bring  dessert to share.

-February 14th - BINGO & Ice Cream Social

-May - Chicken Burn Dinner & Bake Sale

-August 21 - The Summer’s Last Sizzle

THANKS – To all who participated in the community wide America 250 celebration and 25th Anniversary of 911 at St. John’s. It was a very inspiring evening to remember, reflect, and give thanks for our many blessings of freedom and family….A BIG Thank You to all who came out to clean off the tombstones and veteran's plaques in the St. John's Red House Lutheran Cemetery on Tuesday evening, September 15, for our "God's Work.  Our Hands." service project. Sunday, September 13 was the "God's Work. Our Hands." Sunday for the ELCA annual day of service.  This day offers an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA - one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.

The Red House Sewing Circle has a large amount of embroidery floss to give away. If interested, please contact Virginia Roth.

Get Well Wishes–  Our love and prayers for Johnny Roth who is facing some health issues … continued prayers for Susan Baker who is battling cancer and to Thomas Swartzentruber who is recovering from a farm accident….May God bless and keep all of our loved ones in his care. 

CEMETERY NEWS   The Red House Lutheran Cemetery Association would like to thank the family reunion of Bill & Bernice Roth (Winters) for their donation to the upkeep of the cemetery property:

• Memory of William (Bill) & Bernice Roth (Winters) 

CHRIST IN OUR HOME– Copies of the daily devotional ‘Christ in Our Home’ are available in the vestibule for October, November, and December.   Please take a copy and give one to a shut-in for their reading enjoyment. This is a publication of the ELCA, which relates to the scriptures for each week.

POP TABS: Are you continuing to save your aluminum pop tabs? Remember, this is an on going 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:

October:   None

November:

  8 – Joyce Tekavec     701 I Street, Mt. Lake Park, MD  21550       87

20 – John Roth            908 Garrett Hwy, Oakland, MD  21550       88

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

Johnny Roth          865 Maple Spring Highway, Eglon, WV 26716

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