Planning a Wedding?
Normally, before a family grows and prepares for a Baptism, there is the blessed event of the Wedding. If you have recently been engaged - congratulations! Don't forget that contacting the Church and making arrangements is just as important as all the other trappings of the day. It would be a shame to have the reception lined up and find out that the church was not available! Also, pre-marital pastoral care is part of preparation for marriage at Saint John's. You and your fiancé‚ should plan on meeting with one of the pastors 4-6 times during the wedding planning process. Call the church office (589-3202) as soon as possible.

LUTHERAN TALK RADIO...You can listen to Issues, Etc. on-demand. Issues, Etc. is produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Islam, Defending the Pro-Life Position, God's Will for Your Daily Life, Religion & Politics, Biblical Interpretation, the Pop Spirituality of Oprah Winfrey, Movie Reviews, Christ-Centered Fatherhood, Creation vs. Evolution, Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses and more. Listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome To Sunday School
Rally Day! IS SEPTEMBER 7
Soon our Sunday School will be humming with the sound of excited students and teachers. If you wish to be part of this adventure, please fill out and hand in the Sunday School insert in today's bulletin. We still need one more teacher for the second grade and two for the 4-year old classes. We can also use people for our substitute list. It helps the teachers to be more effective if they have someone to call if they have a problem getting here now and again. Perhaps you could start out as a helper to get the feel of the grade level you are interested in. Even if you can only help for the first few months of the school year, we would like to hear from you. Thank you in advance and have a great week!

Here we go again! - As the calendar turns to September, many of our committees, musical ensembles, and parish education groups are starting up again. Please check the calendar to see when they will begin meeting. Also, these various groups are always in need of help and support to continue to make them great. If you have an interest in anything, or if you have a question about any of our groups, please do not hesitate to contact the church office.

Confirmation Orientation - Orientation for students and at least one parent will be on Wednesday, September 24th at 6:00pm. There are a few changes to this year's program, so please make every effort to attend. Also during this time, we will go over acolyte and cross bearing duties so that all of our students can know how to do this important function. See you there!

SOCIAL MINISTRIES/HUMAN CARE
Our first scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd at 7:30pm. We invite anyone interested in being part of a group of people helping those less fortunate to join us that evening. We will be discussing planned activities scheduled throughout the year.
Just a reminder that the first weekend of each month is "Food Weekend". We accept all non-perishable food donations. Please leave them in the Cloak Room off the church Narthex.
Anyone wishing to donate a meal to Having Friends I.N.N., please contact Cynthia Langhauser . Saint John's turn at the local soup kitchen is the second Tuesday of every month.
If anyone has a question or concern for Social Ministries or would like to know more about us, please feel free to contact Lori Clemente or Denise Jacob. Please prayerfully consider attending our next meeting. We always could use more help or new ideas.

Come join our Saint John's Mixed Bowling League! There is one more team of 4 to fill. The sign-up poster is on the bulletin board in the gym foyer. We begin bowling September 7, 2008. The cost is $15 per person. This is a non-competitive league. Just think fun and fellowship! If you have any questions, please call the church office.

ATTENTION ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS
The Prayer Shawl Ministry will resume our meetings on September 8th at 7:00pm and September 15 at 1:00pm. Everyone is invited to join us at either or both meetings. Many thanks to everyone who has donated shawls and yarn. If you would like to have a shawl and prayers for a friend or loved one, please call the church office or Alice Dreher.

MARY MARTHA GUILD and THRIVENT FINANCIAL for LUTHERANS
The Suffolk County Chapter of Thrivent is sponsoring a "Join Hands Day" event to benefit the men and women serving in the armed forces overseas. The Mary Martha Guild is excited about this project and eager to participate with this great cause. The Chapter will provide the postage for three priority mail flat rate boxes for our church. Below is a list of some items that are needed:

disposable cameras, playing cards, pencils pens, music CDs, moist wipes
facial tissues, dental floss, chapstick, phone cards, toothbrushes, toothpaste
travel games, Nerf toys (small footballs, etc.), Odor Eaters for boots, small flashlights
paperback books, razors.

All items need to be placed in a zip-style closure plastic bags to help the servicemen and women keep their things from sand and rain. Quart size is great as they reuse them for other things.
All items need to be turned in no later than Sunday, September 21st. These boxes are a great way for us to let the men and women who are far from home, know that they are thought about. For more information, contact Honey Pabst

LWML - Join the ladies of the Atlantic District Lutheran Women's Missionary League for a time of fun-filled spiritual renewal and relaxation at their Annual Fall Retreat at Tuscarora Inn in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania from October 10-12, 2008. Our theme this year is "Being God's Joy-Filled Vessel". Registration begins September 1st. See Pam Kennard of the Mary Martha Guild for more information.

GRANDPARENT'S DAY - On Sunday, September 7th, following the 9:00am service, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will host the coffee hour and provide a special cake in honor of all grandparents. Please join us as we thank these special people.

LIGHTHOUSE BENEFIT DINNER
Your Thrivent Service Team at Saint John's is working to help the Lighthouse Mission with their 6th annual fund raiser dinner. The dinner, to be held on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 7:30pm at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook, is being held to raise money to assist in their mission to help the needy. The Lighthouse has been at their present location for 16 years at $1 a year provided for them by the generosity of Clare Rose. Unfortunately, the property is being sold. Their new location in Patchogue needs a great deal of renovation to accommodate the refrigerators, shelving, etc. they need to store the food and supplies they receive. There are always so many in need. The tickets for the dinner have all been donated. You are just asked to give what you can in a free-will donation. If you would like to attend the dinner and support the Lighthouse Mission, contact Honey Pabst

SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, October 19th for the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk. There is a flyer and a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the gym foyer giving information you will need if you would like to get sponsors and participate in this worthwhile cause. Call Pam Kennard for more information.

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