St. John's A - Z
St. John's Official Dictionary ~ If you need additional information, please contact the church office
A
AGO American Guild Of Organists, Sponsors noon recitals several times during the year in area churches
AMI Alliance For The Mentally Ill, Support group for families and friends of those with mental illnesses. Meets in the Associate Pastor’s office by the ramp door on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. Also known as NAMI, Contact 215.886.0350
A Walk Together Support group for those with HIV, meets Thursday nights at 7:30 PM in the Senior Pastor’s Office, Contact Ken
Acolytes Worship leaders who light the candles and help with the offering collection on Sunday Mornings, Contact Kelly Bresadola
Advent The four weeks before Christmas
Adventure Group Meets several Sunday afternoons a year for walking, hiking, biking, skating; Contact George Kaufman
Activity Room Room on the bottom level of the church school building at the bottom of the steps
All Saints Day November worship service when a list of names of members of St. John’s who have died during the year is read
Altar Guild Group that changes the paraments in the sanctuary, contact Sue Morris or Jane Harrison
Alternative Gift Market Gifts
are made to charitable organizations as an alternative to
traditional gifts, held in November, Contact Andrea Tanner
Amos Church mouse whose column can be read in The Enlightener
Anchor House Former parsonage located across from the church at Main and Richardson Ave., now a group home
Angels Service group for teens, contact Kim Bergey
Artist Series Musical events usually held on Sundays 5 times a year featuring guest artists and St. John’s talent
Ash Wednesday Noon communion, covered dish dinner at 6:30 PM followed by a worship service and communion at 7:30 PM
Assembly Hall Room on the lower level under the sanctuary used for social events, Pre-confirmation Class, Learning Community and weekly fellowship time following the worship service
Associate Pastor’s Office Located by the ramp door
Audio Device A device that fits in your ear to amplify the Sunday Morning worship service, pick one up in the rear of the sanctuary
Automatic External Defibrillator A device that automatically analyzes heart rhythms and delivers an electric current to the heart if the heart is in ventricular fibrillation, stored in the Senior Pastor’s Office
B
Banner Group Makes seasonal banners for the sanctuary, contact Doris Latta
Battle Of The Sexes September youth event held during the church school hour featuring games between the sexes
Beginner Class Church school class for our youngest children, Contact Barb Fretz
Bethany Children’s Home Residential center for children whose parents can no longer provide care; supported by the United Church Of Christ, Located in Womelsdorf, PA
Bible Study Meets periodically on Wednesday night at 7 PM in the Corner Classroom
Blanket/Tool Sunday Held in February, your $5 contribution purchases a Church World Service Blanket for a disaster victim in the United States or abroad
Blankets Yarn is provided for knitters who wish to make blankets for those in need; Contact Betty Canfield
Blessing Of The Animals
Blood Pressure Screening Parish nurses track parishioners’ blood pressure on the first Sunday of the month, Contact Anne Kinsey
Bloodmobile Blood Collection by the American Red Cross held in the Assembly Hall, Contact Lillian Panachyda
Boy Scouts Meets Monday nights at 7:00 PM in the lower level of the Educational Building, Contact Dick Sands
Boyertown Workshops Bi-annual Conference event featuring seminars dealing with Christian Education and worship matters
Breaking Bread Group Meets the1st or 2nd Sunday of the month for a meal following the worship service, Contact Susan Popjoy
Brownies Meet Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM in the Fireside Room, Contact Shirley Hale
Budget Issued every November; shows projected income and disbursements for the following year
Bulletin Sunday morning worship program
C
C.A.R.E. Circle A part of the Women’ Guild who meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 9:30 AM, Contact Dottie Rittenhouse
Calendar Wall calendar located in the church office which lists all events and room usage “If it’s not on the calendar, it’s not happening”
Candlelight Dinner Artist Series dinner held on the 2nd Saturday in December, reservations required, fee event
Celebration Sunday Sunday after Labor Day; Church School resumes after summer hiatus
Chancel Choir Adult four-part choir; Meets on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM
Chancel Flowers A way to remember or honor loved ones, chose a Sunday that has a special significance for you, cost is $20
Chess Club Meets on Friday evenings, Contact Olin Mastin
Cherub Choir Meets on Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 PM, for children 4 years old through grade 2, contact Kirsten Olson
Children’s Library Books and videos located in the Corner Classroom
Choir Appreciation Sunday Special Sunday morning service in May featuring all of St. John’s choirs
Christian Education Sunday Honors educators the 1st Sunday in September
Christmas Dinner Feast held on the Saturday closest to December 25 at noon, no reservations required
Christmas Eve Special Services on December 24th, 7:00 PM family service; 10:30 PM candlelight service with special music and communion
Christmas Flowers A way to honor or remember loved ones; a monetary gift is made and the flowers are displayed in the sanctuary and then given to shut-ins
Church School Educational classes for everyone on Sunday mornings, 9 – 10 AM
Church World Service International agency helping with disaster relief
Collating Team Group that assembles The Enlightener the morning of the fourth Wednesday of the Month
Communion A sacrament offered in January, Easter, June, October, Christmas Day, Wednesdays during Advent and Lent, the last Wednesday of the month, the first Tuesday of the month
Confirmation A rite held on Pentecost Sunday
Confirmation Class Instruction for teens who wish to be confirmed; runs from fall to Pentecost Sunday
Congregational Dinner Held in January and the 1st Sunday in October in the Assembly Hall following worship; New members are our guests
Congregational Meeting Held as needed before worship services; all members get one vote
Constitution Document that governs St. John’s, contact Herman Ahrens
Corner Classroom Located next to the sanctuary in the church school building, originally a church school class which met in the corner of the sanctuary
Council Policy making body of the church made up of 4 boards – Deacons, Educators, Elders, Trustees
CROP Walk Sponsored by Church World Service on the 2nd Sunday in October, money raised helps hunger projects around the world and Manna On Main Street
Current Fund Offering money which pays Christian Education expenses, payroll, utilities, office expenses, etc.
D
Deacons A board of Church Council responsible for social ministry
Driver Provides transportation to the Sunday worship service, Contact Linda Vandegrift
E
E Mail Address
Easter Dinner Everyone is invited to dinner at noon, the Saturday before Easter, no reservations needed
Easter Flowers A way to honor or remember loved ones; plants displayed in sanctuary and then given to shut-ins
Easter Early Service Worship Service at White’s Road Park at 7 AM followed by breakfast and an Easter Egg Hunt, held at the church during inclement weather
Educators A board of Church Council responsible for education ministry
Elevator Barrier Free movement between the assembly hall and the second floor of the church school building, Outside entrance is on Main Street
Educator Of The Morning Assists the Associate Pastor during the church school hour
Elder Of The Morning Assists the pastors with hospitality and last minute details on Sunday Mornings
Elders A board of Church Council responsible for spiritual affairs
Emergency Fund Pastors’ discretionary fund; helps those in need
Enlightener Monthly publication featuring news of St. John’s, Contact Tony Salmon
Enrichment Fun activities and dinner on Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 PM for grades 3 –7 and ages 4 through grade 2, part of the children’s choir program, Contact Rev. Ryan
Ensemble Made up of members of St. John’s Chancel Choir who sing at worship services and special events
Epiphany January worship service when the names of new born babies are read
Evening Communion First Tuesday of the month at 7 PM
F
Fall Meeting One of two meetings held by the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, Other meeting is Spring
Fax Number 215.855.3952
Fellowship Time Social time with refreshments held in the assembly hall following the worship service
Fireside Room Located on the lower level of the church school building on the left of the Main Street Staircase, Mercer tiles decorate the fireplace
Finance Committee Works on the church budget and finance matters, Contact Bob George
Financial Intention Form States your annual financial goal for St. John’s
Flower Ministry Members distribute the chancel flowers to sick and shut in people following the 10:15 AM worship service
Friendship Circle A group of the Women’s Guild who meet on the 2nd Tuesday at 1:30 PM, Contact Gladys Brunner
G
Garden Committee Beautifies St. John’s grounds, Contact Barbara Fretz
Generations Choir for the young-at-heart, meets on Wednesdays at 7 PM
Good Friday Service The Seven Last Words of Christ are featured at this service
Good Samaritan Fund Pastor’s discretionary fund used to help those in financial need
Good Samaritan House Property located at 522 W. Main St.
Goodie Boxes Care packages sent to college students twice a year Contact Bonnie Weber
Governor’s Outreach Help with veterans affairs Contact Ron Pennypacker 800.257.2323
Graduate Sunday Honors those who are graduating from high school, college and universities
Greeters Welcomes those attending Sunday Services, Contact Susan Popjoy
Health Kits Hygiene supplies gathered for Church World Service and distributed to worldwide disaster victims Contact Betty Canfield
Hearing Informational meetings held after Sunday services one week before a vote is taken
Heifer Project International Agency which gives farm animals to those in need
Herald Weekly publication which prepares you for worship on Sunday and for the week’s events
Hospice Memorial Service Last Sunday in October or First Sunday in November at 2:00 PM
Interior Beautification Committee Spruces up the rooms of St. John’s, Contact Kay Fiala
Jr/Sr High Class Church School Class for students in 7 to 12 grade meets in the Fireside Room, Contact Janet Morton
Junior Choir Meets on Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 PM for children in grades 3 – 7
Jr Church For children in grades 1 – 3, meets after the children’s sermon in the Activity Room
K
Kindergarten Class Church school class for children getting ready to enter kindergarten and kindergartners, meets on the 2nd floor of the education building at the alley end, Contact Pauline Crockett
Kitchen Located in lower level of the church school building
Kitchen Fund Money used to purchase kitchen supplies
Kitchen Monitors Oversees kitchen cleanliness
Laity Sunday Non-clergy members of St. John's serve as worship leaders for the Sunday worship services
Learning Community A church school class for children in grades 3 and 4 which meets in the Assembly Hall, Contact Betty Piazza
Lenten Forums Discussions held during Wednesdays in Lent at 7:30 PM in the Corner Classroom
Library Lending library of books and videos located in the room between the sanctuary and Corner Classroom; Nicole Groff, Librarian
Major Renovation Fund Offerings collected for the assembly hall, air conditioning and elevator renovations
Manna On Main Street Food cupboard and soup kitchen located next door to the church at 514 West Main Street, Contact Dolly 215.855.5454
Manna Sunday Non-perishable food is collected in the lobby of the church on the 2nd Sunday of the month for Manna On Main Street
Martin Luther King Jr Day Of Service Annual January trip into Philadelphia for the Youth Group
Membership Class Instruction for adults who wish to become members of St. John’s, Contact the church office 215.855.5489
Memorial Fund Gifts in memory of loved ones which are used for the tape ministry and other needs of the church
Men’s Breakfast Meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 AM, Contact Ryan Henderson 215.855.5489
Mensch Mill Church camp owned and operated by the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, check the office bulletin board for camping programs
Mission Trips Multi-day activity to help those in need, currently going to Gulf Coast States, Contact Rev. Ryan
Mixed Company A contemporary church school class for adults which meets in the Activity Room, Contact Gerry Linderman
Montessori School Nursery School which uses the top floor facilities of the education building during the week, Contact Dorothy Kelly 215.362.1427
Music Fund Offerings used to fund special musical events such as the Artist Series
Music Room Located at the bottom of the ramp door steps in the church school building, office of the minister of music
NAMI National Alliance For The Mentally Ill, See AMI
NIN Neighbors In Need Offering taken on the 1st Sunday in October used to benefit disadvantaged neighbors in the United States
Noontime Communion Informal communion offered noon to 1 PM during Wednesday afternoons in Advent, Lent, and the last Wednesday of the month
North Penn Association Group that discusses United Church Of Christ local & church-at-large matters
Nursery Room on the first floor of the church school building at Main Street entrance; staffed for children up to kindergarten age during the worship hour
OCWM Our Church’s Wider Mission, Offering for programs for our conference and national offices
Office Located in the church school building on the first floor
Office Assistants Volunteers who work in the church office during the summer, Contact the church office 215.855.5489
OGHS One Great Hour Of Sharing For emergencies and special needs around the world and the United States taken the 4th Sunday in Lent
Organ Fund Offering collected for the maintenance and upkeep of the organ
P
Parables Plays Production by the Pre-confirmation Class held during the church school hour every other year
Parish Nurse Ministry A holistic approach to wellness provided by St. John’s nurses and other interested people in the congregation, Contact Shelly Longcoy
Pennsylvania Southeast Conference Our local headquarters located in Collegeville, Contact 610.489.2056
Pentecost Six weeks following Easter, Confirmation Sunday
Pew Stuffer Volunteer position that monitors pencils and literature in the pews, Contact Bert Salter
Picnic Annual June event for all members and friends sponsored by the Deacons
Pictorial Directory A booklet of photographs of all church members issued about every five years
Prayer Group Meets the third Monday of the month at 7:30 PM in the Corner Classroom to update the prayer chain, Contact Lorraine Badger
Prayer Shawl Ministry Knitters create shawls for those who need extra encouragement, meet the 4th Thursday of the month in Associate Pastor’s office at 7 PM, Contact Amy Ryan Faga
Prayer Shawl Sunday Last Sunday of the month, knit during worship services
Prayer Vigil Begins the Thursday before Easter and continues until noon before Good Friday
Prayer Walk 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 7 AM, Whites Road Park, Contact Rev. Sue
Pre-Confirmation Class Church school class for children in grades 5 & 6 which meets in the Assembly Hall, Contact Evelyn Reitz
Primary Class A church school class for children in grades 1 & 2, meets on the second floor of the church school building
Quilters Meet the 4th Monday of the month at 6 PM; Contact Linda Vandegrift
Regional Youth Event Summer opportunity for teens held on college campuses, Contact Rev. Ryan
Reiki Share Meets Tuesdays at 7 PM in the Corner Classroom
Repperts Chocolates Candy sold two times a year to benefit the Youth Group
Risograph Copy machine located in church office for large volume runs
Rummage Sale Used merchandise donated by members is resold in the fall, profits benefit St. John’s projects and those in need around the world, Contact Marie Boulton
S
St. John’s United Ringers Handbell choir for ringers of all ages, meets on Thursday evenings at 6:15 PM
Salford Land used for recreational purposes owned by St. John’s along the Perkiomen Creek
Sleepover Annual night of no sleep for youth featuring games, bowling, movies and food
Spring Meeting One of two meetings held by the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference, Other meeting is in fall
Social Hosts Serves coffee, juice and cookies in the assembly hall after the Sunday Worship Service
Spud Lunch Annual fund raiser for the youth group held in the spring
Statement Of Contributions A report of every member’s giving during the year issued in January for income tax purposes
Stewardship Committee A group that deals with the talent, time and treasure of St. John’s members, Contact Sally Jarinko
Strengthen The Church One of five national church offerings taken in November, helps new church starts
Study Pastors’ offices
Summer Sundays In The Sun For children in grades 1 – 6, meets after the children’s sermon during July and August
Tape Ministry An audio tape of each Sunday service is prepared and delivered to our shut-ins; Contact the church office if you need a service tape 215.855.5489
Tenebrae Service A service of darkness held on the Thursday before Easter at 7:30 PM
Thank Offering November offering which provides additional funding for on-going mission and ministry of the United Church Of Christ
Thanksgiving Dinner Everyone is invited to dinner on Thanksgiving Day at Noon, no reservations are needed
Teacher Recognition Sunday Honors those involved with Christian Education on the 1st Sunday in September
Tuesday Ladies Volunteers who label & fold St. John’s publications and do general office work
Trustees A board of Church Council in charge of the care and custody of church property
U
United Circle A group of the Women’s Guild that meets the second Thursday of the month with the Friendship Circle at 1:30PM in the Assembly Hall
Upper Room Devotional Magazine available at the church office, $1 requested
Usher A volunteer who greets, passes out programs, and collects the offering on Sunday mornings
V
Vacation Bible School Held Sunday – Thursday evenings at 7 PM the week following the close of North Penn School District Schools
Ventures Conference Programs for older adults usually held at Camp Mensch Mill
Veterans Of The Cross December offering for retired pastors, their spouses and lay persons in need who have made the church their vocation
Visioning Committee Deals with long-term planning for St. John's, Contact Dr. Sue Bertolette
Volunteer Breakfast A breakfast held each March to honor St. John’s volunteers
Web Site Information about St. John’s; publications online, calendar of monthly events, volunteer lists, driving directions, Contact http://www.st-johns-ucc.org
West Parking Lot Parking facilities located across the alley behind the church; Not a direction ~ the West family at one time owned this property
White Gift Service Worship service on the 2nd week of Advent; Parishioners bring gifts wrapped in white paper to be distributed to the needy
Women’s Guild Members who are grouped into 4 circles which meet in member’s homes or in the Assembly Hall
World Day Of Prayer Held the first week of March
World Wide Communion Communion service on the 1st Sunday in October
Worship & Music Committee Concerns itself with the worship and music matters of the congregation, Contact Rev. Sue
Wyncote Church Home A retirement residence sponsored by the United Church Of Christ in Wyncote, Pennsylvania
X
Xerox Incorrect name given to office copier for small runs
Yoga Meets several times a year in the Assembly Hall on Thursday evenings
Youth Sunday Jr/Sr High Church School Class leads worship on the 1st Sunday in March
Youth Group Meets periodically for service and social activities, Contact Rev. Ryan
Zwingli Huldrych, 1484-1531, Swiss Reformation leader