At the November Council meeting in 1926, the newly called Reverend Hassler outlined his program in the parish for one year, which they enthusiastically adopted. He brought an uncompromising style and distinct objectives for ministry at St. John’s and other churches. This appears to be in strong contrast to his predecessors who seldom outlined goals and objectives. His ministry concentrated upon evangelism and a strong catechetical process since there were so many new members coming from various denominational backgrounds. The first year he concentrated on visiting very member in all our congregations and next visiting every prospective person.
The symbols of our chancel depict the Prayer of Blessing which is offered by the Pastor as he places his hand on the head of each Confirmand. As we gather for worship within this Holy Place, may these symbols serve to remind us of the vows which we took at our Confirmation and ever keep before us the spiritual rights, privileges and blessings which are ours within the Church. The Descending Dove, located centrally above the Altar Reredos, represents the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was baptized, “the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove”. Here within God’s House this symbol should prompt the realization of His Presence as He calls us by the Gospel, enlightens us with His gifts and sanctifies and keeps us in the true faith.
On November 10, 1953 the Church Council and Pastor Haag met with Dr. Dwight Putman, Synod President, at the church to discuss becoming a single church parish. The President was concerned about the relatively small communing size of 160 and the fact that our building fund was interfering with the regular general fund. The giving in the congregation would need to be increased by at least $50 per communing member. His recommendation was to defer any action at that time.
On November 9, 1930, the congregation celebrated the note-burning, ending its indebtedness for the parsonage. However, it was a difficult time for funding projects and the next several Depression years provided a significant test for the Church Council to pay its bills
“The multitude needs a certain place and certain days and hours suitable for listening to the Word of God; and therefore God has ordained and instituted the Holy Sacraments to be administered to the congregation at a place where all gather together for prayer and thanksgiving. The advantage of this is that when Christians gather together, prayer is more powerful than at other times. We can and should most certainly pray at all places and hours, but prayer is never so strong and powerful as when, in unity of Spirit, the whole congregation is gathered together to pray.” Martin Luther
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AuthorEach week we are putting a fun fact about the history of St. John in the bulletin. Archives
December 2014
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