Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

25 years ago this September 11th, I stood motionless at my office at the church in Tampa, in front of a TV as “The Today Show” reported the horrifying planes crashing into the New York Twin Towers, the Pentagon and then into a field in Pennsylvania.  Hour by hour, black smoke and flames continued to billow from each floor of the two buildings, which slowly gave way, floor by floor, trapping and burying almost 3,000 women, men and children. Rubble, nothing left but rubble. Or so it seemed…

There’s another story of rubble, found in the Bible’s book of Nehemiah. After the intentional fire and complete demolition of Jerusalem in 586 BC by the Babylonians, the Israelites’ holy city was left in total ruin. God’s people were taken into captivity, and the rubble remained until generations later when Nehemiah led a charge to return and rebuild.

Answering God’s call, Nehemiah felt in his heart the strong desire to push past the seemingly impossible. He convinced the Babylonian king to not only allow, but also fund the rebuilding project back in Jerusalem, and inspired thousands of exiles, to accompany him and overcame the opposition of naysayers aimed at halting any progress.

Can you not imagine the slumping of shoulders as the exiled Israelites first returned to their beloved homeland only to see nothing but piles of rubble? Even after they began their work of rebuilding and saw the stones take new formation, they often felt exhausted and hopeless. The people cried to their leader, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble…” (Nehemiah 4:10)

“IT’S JUST TOO MUCH!” Have you ever felt this way? This struggle is too much for me to bear. This mountain is too high to climb. There is too much rubble in the way of progress.  I imagine that was also the feeling of many first responders and family members on 9/11, when the rubble in their lives seemed too much. The losses were too great. The hurt and pain too large. How could there be any light out of the darkness?

But just as Nehemiah and the other builders pushed past doubt…fear and loss, those directly affected by 9/11 deaths and other losses decided to push past the struggles and pain in their lives and looked instead towards hope.  25 years after the September 2001 attacks, the children of the men and women have now grown into adults themselves, many who remember the pain but refuse to remain in the rubble of their past tragedies. Instead, many rose this 9/11 to tell their stories of light since 9/11.

Three young sons of brave first-responders felt inspired by their late fathers and took on similar careers as firefighters and police officers. Another wrote a children’s book on 9/11 and, when invited to read it in a school classroom, met his future wife as a result. Caitlin Leavey and Brittany Oelschlager, who as young girls met at a camp designed for children of 9/11 losses, now continue their late fathers’ legacies by serving in their communities as a teacher/counselor and a social worker; their common seeds of sorrow also led to their lifelong bond as friends, which they both treasure.

Can there be light in the midst of darkness? In chapter 8 of Nehemiah, after the walls of Jerusalem was rebuilt, the people rejoiced, “and their joy was very great.” (v. 17)  Just the same, there are glimpses of light from 9/11. “And from those really dark and sad days…we can laugh, and I can tell stories about my dad and now laugh now…Trauma is beautiful, because they can get (one to a place of) light with healing and dancing and happiness,” said Brittany Oelschlager.  Take the time this 9/11 and always, to remember the rubble of 9/11 as you give a nod to any rubble you’re experiencing in your own life, but refuse to remain buried beneath it.  Look upward with hope. Look with determination for the light, specifically the Light of Jesus Christ. The Light is always there.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, help me to focus today on the light that can shine through any darkness that I might be surrounded by for Jesus Christ, you are indeed the Light of the World and my life. Amen!

Blessings and prayers,  Pastor Jack, Interim

Colossians 3:23-24

 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

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!

Saturday, September 5

7 pm - All are invited to a memorial celebrating the life and faith of Alice Ruth Douglas Roth and Earl Edward Roth will be held at St. John’s.  

Sunday, September 6              15^th Sunday After Pentecost

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

Acolyte:  Youth 

Wednesday, September 9

6:00  Council Meeting in the social room.

7:00 pm  The Annual Stockholders Meeting of The Red House Lutheran Cemetery Association will be held at. in the church choir room. Each deed holder who has purchased lots from the Association is a voting member of the Stockholders Meeting. If anyone has any business to be brought up at the meeting, please contact President, Diane Donham at 301-334-4830, cell: 301-616-0260 or by email: ddonhamcpa@gmail.com

Friday, September 11

6:30 pm A Service of Remembrance and Celebration will be at St. John’s of Red House to remember the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and to celebrate 250 years of blessings on America.  This service will feature music offered up by a special choir, special readings and videos. A free-will offering will be available and will be donated to “Tunnels to Towers(T2T) Foundation offering support to wounded soldiers, other resource persons and families who have lost their loved ones.  Please plan on attending this event and invite your neighbors and friends as we all take the time to “REMEMBER and CELEBRATE!”

Sunday, September 13            16^th Sunday After Pentecost   

"God's Work. Our Hands" Sunday and Grandparent’s Day

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

Acolyte:  Youth

This is "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.   Plan to do something special for your neighbor! Join us Tuesday evening the 15th at 6 pm to use your hands to clean off our loved ones' tombstones in the church cemetery.

The National Grandparents Day proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, thanks to a long campaign led by Marian McQuade from West Virginia.  The purpose of the day is to honor grandparents, highlight the wisdom older generations pass down to youth, and encourage family connection.             

10:30 am Youth Sunday School upstairs & Adult Bible Class resumes in the social room.

All children and adults are encouraged to attend the beginning of both Sunday School and Adults Bible Class. It is a great way to grow deeper in one's faith and life. So consider attending. The ADULT BIBLE CLASS will begin with a series entitled, “HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE.” See you all in Sunday School and Bible Class and invite a friend!     

“HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE!”

This is the title of a six-week Sunday Bible series that will begin on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th, following worship.  From Moses to Gutenberg, easily find out how we got the Bible we have today and discover why we can trust it. We will be diving into the fascinating stories of the people who risked their lives to print and distribute the Word of God.  This will be matched with a dvd series packed with stunning visuals, dramatic stories, and illustrative animations. This series will take you from the earliest clay tablets and papyrus copies to the first bound Bible and the various Bible translations that we use today. So plan on making this Bible adventure part of your Sunday time for being “educated and inspired” in the Word of God. SEE YOU THEN and INVITE YOUR FRIENDS!

Tuesday, September 15          NEWS NOTES DUE 

6:00 pm  For our “God’s work. Our hands.”  project we will be wiping the grass and moss off the tombstones at the Red House Cemetery. Everyone is invited to bring your old towels, wear your gloves and help make our cemetery stones shine. If you can’t make it at that time, please consider coming at your convenience to clean off your family’s stones. 

Wednesday, September 16

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, September 20            l7th 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, stay for 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.

Saturday, September 26

We want to encourage everyone to register for $15 for the Tucker County Foundation Run for It (you don’t have to run to register….).  This is a fundraiser for the church!  Registration/information forms in the lobby at church.

Sunday, September 27                     18^th 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.”

5 pm MOFF(Men of Faith and Fire)

Calling all men(members and friends) of St. John’s to an afternoon of fellowship, target shooting/hand guns only, and food on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 5pm. We will have a large target for shooting (thanks Dennis) so bring your handgun/ammo and if none, then you can share. Rumor has it that even Pastor Jack will be shooting his hand gun which should be a time of great humor. We will have HAMBURGERS ON THE GRILL & ALL THE FIXINGS. Please bring something to share for the meal. Bring your FAVORITE BEVERAGE and CHAIR (some will be available) along with FIREPIT for gathering as well as SOME MORES!!  Inviting your friends is a great way to get to know other MEN OF FAITH!  Please SIGN UP on sheet at church; CALL/TEXT.EMAIL Pastor Jack at the following: 813-892-8172, rezlap@aol.com by THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 th to secure enough food supplies.

Assignments for September

            Communion Assistants; & Offering Assignments:   Crystal Boone & Lisa Skipper

6      St. John’s Family  - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in thankfulness for Pastor Jack and his family for giving of his time and talents to work with St. John's to strengthen our congregation for future generations.

 13   Jerry Edens  - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in thankfulness for family and friends by Jerry Edens.

        The Eternal Candle is given in Honor of our organists and keyboardist by Jerry Edens.

20    Cindy Darby - The altar flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of my mom Marilyn's 87th birthday by Cindy.

27    Flowers OPEN

        The bulletins and Eternal Candle are given to the Glory of God and in Honor of the 40th Wedding Anniversary of Don & Charlotte Cussins by The Lantz Family.

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 and 27, 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 Grandparent’s Prayer

Lord, thank you for blessing us with beautiful grandchildren that we love so dearly.  We pray that you watch over them, protect them and guide them through a long and healthy life.  Lord, give our grandchildren the courage to stand firm in faith and to follow your lead.  Should the time come that we leave this earth we pray that they know that our love for them is forever and always!

Council Updates

-Registration Forms for the September 28th Run For It Fundraiser are in the church Narthex or you can register online at https://runsignup.com/Race/WV/Davis/RunForIt

Save the Dates:

-September 11 - A community wide America 250 celebration and 25th Anniversary of 911.

-September 15 - “God’s work. Our hands.”  Let’s get together and clean off cemetery stones.

-September 26 - Run For It Team.   Please plan to join our team to raise money for the church.  You can sign up for $15 to support the fundraiser (but you do not have to do the walk/run).

-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 6 people.   The trivia will be a variety of topics.  Someone will win big!

MARRIAGE CONGRATULATIONS:  To JOSHUA ADAMS & BRIANNA GLASS who was united in marriage on August 8th…to WILLIE & ARLENE LANTZ who reaffirmed their wedding vows on their 40th wedding anniversary on August 16th….and congratulations on the reaffirmation of marriage of PHILIP ADAMS & PRODIGO CASTILLO on August 29th. May God grant each of them many years of love and happiness together.

MANY THANKS ….

-To all who helped with the new concrete sidewalk between the parsonage and parking area. A special thanks to Jared Roth for his excavating work and to Pat Adams and Denise Roth for getting the project organized and completed.

-To those that stayed for the AED and LifeVac Training.  A special thanks to Cris Roth for doing the training.

-To all who grilled the chicken, baked goodies, and helped serve the Chicken BBQ dinners at the church.  The profit from the dinner was $2,526.81 thanks to the efforts of many!

-To everyone that supported the Horizon Academy Dinner Theater.  The profit for the school from that event was $5,555.17.

-The Summer’s Last Sizzle was another great community outreach and huge success thanks to all who donated food, supplies, and silent auction items.  Many thanks to the cooking crew who prepared the delicious meal for all to enjoy along with the great music!  A great time was enjoyed by all!  It was a great success and blessing all around!  Total profits from the Sizzle to date are $2,468.11.

-To Ben and Helen Ridder for their generous donation to the church to help us to continue to Serve God by Serving God’s People.

-The Red House Sewing Circle would like to thank Steve and Amy Knepp for their recent donation in memory of Phyllis Knepp!  Your donation is greatly appreciated!

-The Red House Sewing Circle conveys a big thank you to everyone who supported our recent quilt raffle! Whether you bought a ticket, sold them to family and friends, or simply cheered us on, your help means the world to us. We truly have an amazing church family, and we couldn't have done it without you!

Congratulations to Diane Donham, the lucky winner of this year's beautiful quilt! Together, we raised $620!

This wonderful gift will go directly toward supporting the ongoing ministry and work here at St. John's.    Thank you all so much for your kindness, smiles, and incredible support!                                                            

The Red House Sewing Circle has a large amount of embroidery floss to give away. If interested, please contact Virginia Roth.                                                          5

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.

Thomas Swartzentruber, the young 34-year-old, married with two small daughters, was seriously injured in a farming accident and has been in Ruby Hospital. He was recently airlifted by plane to a rehab hospital in Chicago.  His GO FUND ME effort has raised over $50,000+ towards a goal of $150,000...so if you haven’t donated please consider doing so if you are able (https://www.gofundme.com/f/thomass-spinal-cord-injury-recovery-journey). Through his therapy to date and with God’s blessings, he has been able to move his left side some...so continue to pray for healing and wholeness.

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION:

The Annual Stockholders Meeting of The Red House Lutheran Cemetery Association will be held the second Wednesday of September – September 9, 2026 at 7:00 pm in the church choir room. Each deed holder who has purchased lots from the Association is a voting member of the Stockholders Meeting. If anyone has any business to be brought up at the meeting, please contact President, Diane Donham at 301-334-4830, cell: 301-616-0260 or by email: ddonhamcpa@gmail.com

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 by Patricia Martin and:

• In Memory of Husband, Mike, and Son, Dustin, by Cindy Darby
• In Memory of Brandon McWilliams by Terri Winters

Daily Devotional – CHRIST IN OUR HOME – a new devotional for July, August and September 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:

September:

 10 - Gay Roth         24841 Seneca Trail, Thomas, WV  26292                                           87

19 - Marilyn Roth    557 Bill Roth Road, Oakland, MD  21550                                           87

October:  None

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