Weekly Sunday Morning WorshipWorship at St. Jacob’s Blue Creek 8:00

Sunday School at St. John’s 9:30Worship at St. John’s Penntown 10:30

copyright 2011 Zondervan Corp.

St. Jacob’s UCC Blue Creek PRESORTEDSt. John’s UCC Penntown STANDARD 8917 E County Road 1300 N U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sunman, Indiana 47041 BATESVILLE IN812-623-3410 PERMIT NO 29stjohns@etczone.com

Or Current Resident

2016

Sunday, June 5St. John’s Homecoming

Worship Under the Tent with us at 10am Homecoming Chicken Dinner

11:00am -1:30pm

Sunday, June 12Worship at the Pond

10:30 amJunior & Janice Ratliff’s home

Combined worship service for St. Jacob’s and St. John’s

Come and enjoy our outdoor service!

News for members and friends ofSt. Jacob’s Blue Creek

St. John’s PenntownJune - July 2016

From the Desk of the Pastor…The theme of NYE 2016 is "Believe." "In 2016, we are asking youth to believe, but it is not a

query," said the Rev. Waltrina N. Middleton, associate for National Youth Event programming. "It is a responsibility, a call to action. We are asking our young people to see themselves as leaders,

sharing in the work of God, boldly and with faith."

NYE 2016 — to be held at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — marks the first time the event is open to both UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) youth. Due to

the family-friendly environment, non-youth participants are invited as well. "The event is still for youth, but families and non-youth participants are invited to attend worship and the day-long social justice immersion projects in the greater

Orlando area, and to enjoy the fellowship day in the parks," said Middleton.

The fee is a subsidized cost for all attendees and includes: Five days and four nights’ accommodations at the resort, which includes free wi-fi.

Local transportation to and from the airport and parks. Eight meals: Dinner Tuesday, all meals Wednesday and Thursday, and breakfast Saturday, plus snacks on those days.

Meals on Friday, July 29, are not included, as that is the fellowship day in the parks for all attendees. A multiple-day Hopper Pass for access to all four Disney parks.

Inspiring worship and keynote speakers. Workshops and service projects in the Greater Orlando area.

Immersive social justice experiences.

The NYE youth service projects will be coordinated through United Way of Orlando, and will include such activities as outreach with homeless persons and environmental clean-up projects. The immersion projects are being coordinated by

Edith Rasell, the UCC's minister for economic justice. "Youth are very concerned with social justice and eager to learn and serve," said Rasell. "The NYE program will give them the choice to spend a few hours with a local justice organization, learn

about an injustice and then participate, in a small but immediate way, in helping to ease people's pain and alleviate the problem. We hope this small experience of justice ministry may inspire the youth to engage in justice work after they return

home, either immediately or sometime in the future."

As part of the programming on July 27-28, the youth will participate in workshops at the resort and attend a special Disney Youth Education Series (Disney YES) program at Epcot Center. The Disney YES program will be paired with UCC/Disciples values and the commitment to global ministries and to honoring the cultures of all peoples. Disney YES "will expand our

definition of what wider church ministry is, and will speak to our continued UCC/Disciples Global Ministries partnership," said Middleton. "We are committed to making sure these young people have a faith experience that celebrates them being young

— a safe space to nurture their relationships with God and have fun with their peers."

"Having attended the last NYE in Purdue, I find myself already excited about the possibilities at Disney," said Rev. John C. Dorhauer, UCC general minister and president. "I am still a kid at heart, and can't wait to see what happens when our justice-seeking youth gather for play and possibility with characters like Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and a whole host of other characters

who taught us as children to dream new possibilities and seek new horizons."

"It's OK for Christians to have fun," added Middleton. "When young people look at the church, they need to see it as a place where they can grow their faith and have fun."

So as the date keeps drawing closer we want to keep all those involved in prayer including our own Ethan Grunkemeyer, Taylor Hountz, Tina Hountz, and Dan Hountz. A big “THANK YOU” to Dan for stepping up to the plate to

assist Tina in giving the youth this opportunity since Sonny & I are unable to attend!

~Pastor Lynne

Memorial Day Cemetery Services May 30

Sunman Legion members will hold services at St. John’s Penntown at 8:15am.

St. Leon Legion members will be at St. Jacob’s Blue Creek at 8:45am, gathering in the sanctuary

for a brief 15-minute service. Then we will proceed to the cemetery for a 21-gun salute honoring those who have fallen while serving

their country so that we may have the freedoms we live every day.

We offer our sincere condolences to Shirley Huber and family on the passing of

her aunt, Mildred “Micky” Platt on April 12, 2016. May

she rest in peace!

Merom Conference CenterIt’s not too late to register for church camp!

Remember, Sunday School pays for half. It’s an opportunity for all ages to grow in their faith and be

involved in a Christian community for a week.

Contact Pastor Lynne by May 31 if you’re interested in attending.

Pastor Lynne Out of the OfficePastor Lynne will be having reverse

shoulder replacement surgery June 7th at Good Samaritan in Cincinnati. We all know

she has suffered for some time with the first surgery being unsuccessful. Please

keep her and Sonny in prayer.Pastor Lynne will be off work for 6-8

weeks. She will be able to have visitors after a few days, however, please call to let her know the time. In her absence, Pastor Joe Foster will be on call and be

our pulpit supply, along with Pastor Dave Johnston.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~Judah Cecil Boesken, born on April 6, 2016, was welcomed home by parents

Adam & Lauren Boesken and siblings Katie and Joseph. Proud grandparents are Connie & John Flaspohler and Dan & Gayle Boesken; great-grandparents Dorothy Boesken, Harold &

Margie Wendel, and Aunt Emily Prifogle, Best wishes to all!

Jordan and Kari Craig's new baby boy Gabriel Howard (Gabe) was born on May 10, 2016. B eaming grandparents are Bill & Karen Craig and Willie & Lisa Wilson. Gabe's sister, Kalli and

his extended family welcome him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On Sunday, May 29th, our Confirmands will celebrate the Rite of Confirmation. Be sure to read their Statements of

Faith (later in this newsletter). Congratulations to our Confirmands & their families:

Ryan Micheal Bond,Son of Erin & Jeff Bond,

grandson of Sandra Bischoff and Joy & Jeff

Bond, great-grandson of Janet Wiedeman, Betty Licking and Barb & Jim

Bond. Ryan’s godparents are Brandon Bischoff and

James Bond.

Ethan Lee Grunkemeyer,

Son of Patti & Roy Grunkemeyer, grandson

of Butch & Carolyn Richter and Cletus &

Rosie Grunkemeyer, and great-grandson of Rosella

Hornberger. Ethan’s godparents are Debbie

Weber and Chris Grunkemeyer.

Taylor Rose Hountz,Daughter of Tina & Dan

Hountz, and granddaughter of Ginny

Richter. Taylor’s godparents are Chris

Richter and Rose & Bill Hountz.

Affirmation of FaithRyan Bond

I believe that God created the whole universe and humanity. God is the image in which we were made of, and God gives us the choice to choose our way of life. God calls us to be a part in the ongoing miracle of creation. Although we were made in the image of God, I believe that sin is what separates us from God and from one another. God is a saving and forgiving God.

God wanted to relate to humans so he came to us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. I believe Jesus’ life expressed God in the world. I believe that Jesus lived with humans and was resurrected and crucified. As stated in John 1:29-34, “Jesus takes away the sin of the world.”

The Holy Spirit works through the church and unites us in our differences. By working through the church, the Holy Spirit works throughout each and every one of us. The Holy Spirit helps us use our gifts for the good of the world and creation. As said in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, “there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit is in everyone for the common good.”

I believe that the church is the body of Christ. Following Christ is a life-long commitment that has costs, but also great rewards. I believe that the Church can show faith as a whole through each person’s actions and choices. When we get baptized, we show our faith in God and our relationship is made.

Ethan’s Statement of FaithEthan Grunkemeyer

I started this journey not sure of what all I truly believed. This has been a fun learning experience. I have learned a lot along the way.

I have learned that God created all things big and small. God loves us all no matter what race, what we have done, or what we believe. His love is unconditional. God will be there to forgive our sins if we ask for forgiveness. He asks us to be good and respect all people.

God sent his only son to live on earth and spread his good word and teachings. Jesus saved the world from sin and death to those who

believed in his word. He is our savior. Jesus lived on Earth, died for our sins, and then was resurrected.

The Holy Spirit, I learned, is part of the trinity. The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is in the church. It works through all of us and brings us together as a church.

I have learned that the church is a symbol of the body of Christ. We all work together as the body. The church is where we worship together. It is where we learn what God wants from us and how we can do his work.

God is with us during hard times and good times. He gives us help but does not keep us from hurting. He helps us get through those times to see better times. God has given us the promise of eternal life after death up in heaven.

We visited the Mosque and the Synagogue. We all believe in one God. I learned at the Mosque, the Islam bible is the Quran. They stop and pray 5 times a day. Friday is the day they gather together for prayer at the Mosque. The Synagogue is the place of worship for the Jewish. They stop and pray 3 times a day. The Jewish bible is called the Torah.

I see myself growing and learning more about my faith each year at St. John's. I will continue to help at different church functions as a team member of the church. I will try to help the younger church family learn more about our church. I will be here to help the older church family when it is needed.

Like I said earlier, I have learned a lot, but also know I have more to learn. I am hoping my church family will help me along the way.

My Statement of Faithby Taylor Hountz

God has created this world.  When he created this world he made all creations to be good. His creations include animals and plants. When God created us he made us like him, to love and accept one another. When you think about it, God is simply amazing. He seeks to save us from wasteful living and sin.  He gives us his grace, and his love for us is unconditional. God gave us his one and only son, Jesus Christ. God made his promise to all people no matter the color of their skin, age, or sexual orientation. God judges people fairly. God does not control your life.  He gives us the choice of how we

spend our lives and how we live our lives. God calls us to be followers of Jesus, not only does he call us to be followers of Jesus but he also calls use to take good care of the earth.  (Taylor cont.)

Jesus was human just like we are. He walked the earth just like we do.  Jesus got mad at his parents just like we do ours. His life and resurrection is the center of faith. Jesus Christ is our savior.  He saves the world from sin, death, and oppression. You may ask what does Jesus have to do with God. Jesus was divine.  He was God on earth. He is God in carnet. God came to us through Jesus. 

The Holy Spirit is the spirit that Jesus promised. It continues to create and nurture. The Holy Spirit works in and through us. It brings us together through our diversity. The Holy Spirit is part of the trinity. How do we know the Holy Spirit exists? You can see the Holy Spirit work throughout the church. 

The church is the body of Christ. Members of the church work together as the body.  Without the members of the church, the church wouldn't be the church. It’s where we come to worship, learn, and to do service. The church is where we discover and learn about our gifts from the Holy Spirit that is needed by the body of Christ. What I think I have to offer to the church is love, peace, and telling others about God. What I need from other members of the church to help me is prayers, peace, love, and their mentoring as I go on with my own journey of faith. What I have learned from the church is phenomenal.  My church has taught me that I'm not walking this journey alone, and they have and I know they will continue to be with me through rough times. Following Christ is simply a life long commitment.  There is a cost to discipleship.  There is also joy in following Christ.  He calls us to serve others.  We are to spread the GOOD news. We are to resist evil such as doing bad things and hurting others. Faith is shown by your actions and choices. God’s love calls for action. Faith is not a thing.  It is an action. We join God in life and death. Our covenant with God is through baptism and Holy Communion. God’s grace unites us with Christians around the world. If you believe in God, you are promised his forgiveness and grace. Our God is a God of justice and peace, especially for the poor and needy. God requires that we show others his love.  God promises his believers eternal life. Only in death do we know that we will have eternal life.

Christians, Islams, and Jews all believe in one God. There are also many differences in these religions. Islams pray five times a day. Before every prayer they have to wash their nose three times, their arms three times, their face three times, and their feet three times, They do not wash their hair

and ears. The girls don't have to pray.  It is optional.  On the other hand, for the guys it’s mandatory. The girls believe that they need to save their hair and the rest of their body for their husbands. Their version of the bible is called the Koran. Jews worship Fridays and Saturdays. Their services are called schobhott. As we Christians say peace, they say schobhott shalom. The Old Testament in our bible is their Torah.

There are many different paths that Christians, Jews, and Islams take in their steps of Faith. When it comes down to it, we all believe in one God. As I begin my journey of faith I want to thank you, the congregation, for your support.  I look forward to seeing what God has in store for me and where he leads me.

Save the Date!Be sure to mark September 25th on your

calendar! This will be the celebration service of our 175th anniversary here at St. John’s.

Former ministers will take part in the service with a luncheon provided afterwards in the church

hall. There will be a Hungry Hungry Hippo competition between Team Stan Wiedeman and Team Tricia Freyer. You will want to be there to cheer on your team! At 2:00 pm we will have a service of music in the sanctuary provided by Janet Wiedeman,

Sylvia Gesell, Dee Hutson, and the Praise Team and maybe a few surprise choirs! Be watching for

the signup sheet to participate in the ringing of our church bell 175 times!! This is open to

children, teens, and adults!

Lynsey GesellLynsey recently graduated from University of Phoenix with a

degree in Business. Presently she lives in Louisville, is continuing with therapy, and trying to find a job. Due to her

accident and several setbacks along the way this is a HUGE accomplishment! Her parents, Kim & Dwain, and

grandparents Sylvia & Cliff Gesell, are very proud of her for sticking with it!

Brett HutsonBrett is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis. Brett’s parents are Dee & Jody Hutson; his grandparents are Doris Hutson

and Charles & Carol Faulkner.

Samantha K. PackGranddaughter of Sonny & Pastor Lynne and daughter of

Donny & Pia Rae, graduates in June from American University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor’s Degree in

Criminal Justice.

To St. John’s

Sunday, June 5, 2016Worship Under the Tent with us at 10am

Homecoming Chicken Dinner11:00am -1:30pm

Free-will donation; Carry Outs are availableProceeds to benefit the Cemetery Fund

Call Carolyn at 623-3454 for more information, or to volunteer or send a donation!

Paige Wiedeman

Graduated from Ivy Tech Community College with an Associate's Degree in Office Administration, also earning a

Medical and Technical Office Administration Certificate. Paige is currently the office manager at Southeastern

Indiana Spine and Rehab Center in Batesville. She is the daughter of Kim & Stan Wiedeman and granddaughter of

Janet Wiedeman and George & Gerty Ammerman.

Hannah GriswoldDaughter of Renee & Michael Weber, granddaughter of Cliff

& Sylvia Gesell, Hannah graduated from Rush University Medical Center of Chicago with a Master’s of Science in

Clinical Nutrition – Registered Dietician.

Nicole CookNicole graduates this year from Vincennes University with an Associate’s Degree in Business. Her husband is Mason

Cook and her parents are Dennis & Ruth Walterman.

Morgan WeberDaughter of Mike & Deb Weber, Morgan is graduating #4 in

her class at East Central High School! She is the granddaughter of Donald & Carolyn Richter and Clarence & Elaine Weber, great-granddaughter of Rosella Hornberger. Morgan plans to attend Ball State for one year, then transfer

to Purdue to pursue a career in Pharmacy.

Worship at the PondSunday, June 12

10:30 amJunior & Janice Ratliff’s home

Combined worship service for St. Jacob’s and St. John’s

Come and enjoy a wonderful outdoor service!

* Worship will be at St. Jacob’s if the weather doesn’t cooperate. *

Please bring a covered dish to share after the service. Drinks and paper goods will be provided.

IKC-UCC Annual GatheringThe University of Indianapolis will once again host us on June 10-11 for the 53rd Annual Gathering that will include the corporate business meeting of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ. The Annual Gathering offers an opportunity to dream while awake and rejoice in a vision of what the future

may hold.Attending this year from the church are

Jane Werner, Dani Hountz, and Taylor Hountz.

Keynote Speaker: The Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, the ninth General Minister and President (GMP) of the

United Church of Christ, is the keynote speaker.

Dreams and Visions: The IKC Design Team will report to our conference on the work they have been

doing and the feedback from across the IKC on priorities, direction, dreams and visions of the people

within our conference community.

Friday Afternoon Activities: There will be three opportunities to participate on Friday afternoon: Pack/prepare CWS Hygiene Kits. Our way is

not to just talk about church, but to be the church. This year, our goal is to assemble

1,000 Church World Service (CWS) Hygiene Kits for the benefit of those less

fortunate. We are being asked to collect hand towels for this project. We can't achieve our

goal without you! Conversation with Keynote Speaker, Rev.

John Dorhauer, Still Speaking 2.0. Conversation with Global Ministries

Coordinator, Rev. Sarah Haas.

Youth Yard Sale June 23 & 24

We need your stuff for our fundraiser!Please plan to price your bigger items, as you know

their value and we may not! We will consider accepting larger items on consignment (for example, items priced over $50; maybe a lawn mower, newer

furniture, etc.). We will accept children’s/teen’s clothing (not adults).

Donations can be brought to the parish hall as early as June 8th.

Watch our Facebook page, emails and Sunday bulletins for more information as the date gets closer. 

Contact Dan and Tina Hountz or Patti Grunkemeyer if you have any questions.

Father's Day Prayer God of Love and Life,

in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men,

that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.

Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always

with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Cookbooks on Sale - $5Great idea for a shower or wedding gift! Pick up yours today in

the gathering area or contact the office before they’re gone.

Prayer RequestsWe ask that you lift in prayer our shut-ins, our men and women serving in the military,

those going through troubled times, and those with special needs:

The people of Ecuador and Japan; Pastor Lynne (and Sonny), with her upcoming surgery; Chip Farrell (Tracey Ratliff’s cousin); Lynsey Gesell; Shirley Huneke (Chateau of Batesville, 44 Chateau Blvd, Room #217;

Betty Koester; Dale Richter; Ruby Roberts (Sandy Lang’s mother); James Robertson; Ralph Schaefer; Rev. Tommie Wallpe (410 Park Rd, Greensburg, IN 47240).

We ask for special prayers for Peyton Carpenter (grandson of Karen and Jim Ripperger). Peyton, age 8, has spina bifida and is in the beginning of surgeries for his hips. The first one was on May 3; he will be confined to bed or wheelchair during recovery. On June 16 he will have the same procedure on his left hip and have recovery time to follow. He'll have therapy for some time after to help him restore his mobility. Thank you.

Please call the office at (812) 623-3410, send an email to , or speak with Pastor Lynne regarding changes/additions to the prayer list. Updated 5-18-16

JUNE BIRTHDAYS 1 Kathy Thomas 2 Julene Hornberger4 Alicia Staten13 Trenton Gesell14 Gale Richter15 Jocelyn Xenophontos16 Nikki Schwab17 Joshua Wiedeman, Rory Bauman 18 Karen Craig, Marcia Hornberger,

Emmeline Ertel19 Ray Eicher, Ruth Ellen Hurley,

Lainey Mitchell20 Brian Faulkner, Kyle Richter22 Jim Gilbert23 Janice Ratliff, Dennis Richter, Dean Mitchell24 Michael Stenger25 Jesse Thomas26 Marsha Robinson27 Keith Joerger28 Brandon Bischoff, Lindsey Bauman29 Ellen Bauman, Renee Weber30 Maria Richter

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES1 Kam & Darin Richter, Kim & Pat West4 Vince & Rachelle Amlin, Joe & Ruth Ann Farr6 Jim & Sally Cook7 Doug & Linda Arnett15 Bertie & Larry Bauman18 Linda & Estel Stamper19 Dan & Janelle Batta, Peter & Kristina Frye20 Nicole & Mason Cook

JULY BIRTHDAYS1 Helen Bise, Hannah McKinney,

Marlene Wildeboer2 Bob Atkins3 Julia Thomas, Olivia Rosemeyer4 Rosella Hornberger5 Ronald Barnhart, Corey Geesey7 Chad Faulkner, Eric Faulkner, Dean Bohman,

Ted Richmond8 Monica McCory12 Roosevelt Ratliff, Jacqueline Mitchell13 Tricia Freyer, Justin Meyer14 Danielle Hountz 15 Austin Herr, Clarabelle Mitchell16 Jon Werner, Cassidy Molnar, Darell Burns17 Jenny Faulkner19 Carolyn Richter21 Ruth Ann Farr26 Connie Flaspohler, Judy Doll,

Laine Schwegman, Claire Bond27 Kim Mitchell, Daniel Mitchell28 Cindy Billman29 Trevor Sullivan30 Damon Bauman31 Lea Hornberger

JULY ANNIVERSARIES13 Becky & Sam Callis20 Rod & Deanna Richter22 Dennis & Ruth Walterman26 Dennis & Maria Richter

Please notify the office if you have any additions, deletions, or corrections for this list.

June 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29ConfirmationGraduation

Praise & Worship

30

Memorial Day

31 1 2 3 4

Scripture:Luke 7:11-17

5St. John’s

Homecoming

6 7PL surgery

8 9 IKC-UCCAnnual

GatheringJune 9-11

10Sunman Fire and

Wine Festival

11Sunman Fire and

Wine FestivalLuke 7:36-8:3

12St. Jacob’s

Pond ServiceNo service Penntown

13 14 15 16 17 18

Scripture:Luke 8:26-39

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26

Scripture:Luke 9:51-62

27 28 29 30

July 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2

3Scripture:

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20

4 5 6 7 8 9

10Scripture:

Luke 10:25-37

11 12 13 14 15Pets

UnleashedVBS

16Pets

UnleashedVBS

17Pets

UnleashedVBS

Luke 10:38-42

18 19 20 21 22 23

24Scripture:

Luke 11:1-13

25 26 27 28 29 30Scripture:

Luke 12:13-21

31St. John’sPraise & Worship

8am Worship St. Jacob’s Blue Creek9:30am Combined Sunday School @ St. John’s

10:30am Worship St. John’s PenntownPrintfree.com

Youth Yard Sale