Jottings from St. John’s | August 2025

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

Loysburg, PA 16659............August 2025

www.sjrcl.org stjohnsloysburg@gmail.com

Mission’s Corner

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has

been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the

name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey

everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of

the age.” Mathew 28:18-20

Like a lot of Bible verses, The Great Commission may mean different things to

different people. To some, “go and make disciples of all nations” means traveling to a

remote village on a remote island to share the Gospel, but isn’t Loysburg included in “all

nations?” The Great Commission can be summed up in one word – GO.

Sensing some interest within the church in a short-term mission trip, a small

committee met on June 26 to discuss ideas. We didn’t meet with a specific plan in mind

or a goal, just to discuss. Ideas ranged from service trips in Mexico or the Caribbean, to

hurricane relief in the South, to simple home repairs and household needs in our

community. That is the beauty of our church body – we are one body, but many parts.

When we met, it was evident that we all have different backgrounds and ideas.

While we are not committing to any organized travel at this time, we are

committed to prayerfully considering where the Lord may lead us. We will start with

education. There are likely thousands of mission organizations with whom we can

partner. Some are large global organizations and some are small. They all need financial

support, service, and most importantly our prayers. I would like to kick off a column that

I’ll coin the “Missions Corner” to highlight the organizations familiar to our members. If

you have an organization that you would like to highlight, please let Mark Sell or Joel

Ritchey know.

Below are three different organizations of which I am familiar:

Wycliffe Bible Translators (www.wycliffe.org) was founded in 1942. A young

William Cameron Townsend reported to Guatemala in 1917 with a box full of Spanish

Bibles only to find out that the people that he was trying to minister to didn’t speak

Spanish. He spent the next 10 years of his life living with this people group to learn their

native language and translate the New Testament. Townsend named Wycliffe Bible

Translators after John Wycliffe, the first translator of the entire Bible into English.

Today there are more than 550 language groups with the entire Bible and 1,300 with the

New Testament. There are an estimated 1,800 language groups that still need a Bible

translation to begin. There are many Wycliffe Bible Translators in the field continuing to

learn local languages and translate the Bible in its entirety. Specific missionaries can be

supported financially, or the organization can be supported and funds used where needed.

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JAARS (www.jaars.org) was founded in 1948. In 1947, William Cameron

Townsend had made arrangements for a small plane to carry his wife, 6-month-old

daughter, and himself to another remote translation base in Mexico. Unfamiliar with the

area, the pilot misjudged the airport and weight of the airplane and they suffered a nearly

fatal accident. While trapped in the airplane and waiting for help to arrive, Townsend

decided then to form a transportation service to the missionaries in the field. Jungle

Aviation And Radio Service was soon formed to provide a safety net of air service and

radios for translation workers. JAARS would provide appropriate airplanes, and trained

pilots and mechanics to support work in remote areas. Today they continue with aviation

services, 4WD vehicles, motorcycles and training, and maritime services which include

water safety training.

Mission Aviation Fellowship, or MAF (www.maf.org), was founded in 1945 by a

group of WWII veterans who wanted to use their piloting skills to reach isolated people

with the gospel. Their first pilot, Betty Greene, was a Women’s Air Service Pilot, who

flew military aircraft during WWII in non-combat duties. Another early pilot was Nate

Saint, who was martyred along with 4 others in January 1956, while trying to reach the

infamous Auca tribe. MAF continues their legacy today, providing medical flights,

humanitarian relief, and transportation services to missionaries in isolated areas, all while

spreading the love of Christ.

For those of you who know me, you might not be surprised to see aviation

intertwined within these groups. We all have skills and interests and they can all be used

for God’s work. If anyone is interested in learning more about JAARS, there is an event

planned at the Altoona/Blair County Airport on August 23 and JAARS will be present.

--Submitted by Mark Sell

From the Archives

The following item appeared in the July 17 issue of the Morrisons Cove Herald

under its "75 Years Ago" column:

John S. Dittmar of Loysburg was installed as the fourth president of the Cove

Lions Club at the Grange Hall in Loysburg.

*Note: Dittmar's grandfather, an earlier John Dittmar, was a charter member of St.

John's Reformed Church when it was founded in 1847. Four grandchildren of the later

John Dittmar are currently affiliated with the congregation ––Beth Clark, Berneta Gable,

B.F. "Tweet" Snider, and Birch Snider. The Grange Hall is now the Cove Lions

Building.

--Submitted by David Snyder

No Reserved Seats in Church

There are no reserved seats at St. John's and never have been, with two exceptions

— the chairs behind the pulpit and the lectern. Those are reserved for leaders of worship

services. Early arrival worshippers may sit wherever they want to in the 20 pews

available and may bring their own cushions if they prefer a softer seat. It may be noted

that three families in our congregation frequently choose to sit in pews given by their

families if they arrive before those pews are already occupied.

On the very back pew toward the parsonage always sits a faithful member —

Linda Pressel. That pew was given by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert W. Reffner,

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when the pews were purchased in the early 1950s. No record of the cost remains, but

donors of pews were solicited by then-pastor A.A. Hartman and each pew cost somewhat

over $100.

On a pew closer to the front on the parsonage side descendants of the Dittmar

family regularly occupy a pew given by John S. and Agnes Dittmar in memory of his

parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Wenner Dittmar. Those occupants include B.F. “Tweet” Snider

and Berneta and Brad Gable. Still closer to the front on the same side is another pew

given by John & Agnes Dittmar, and this pew is frequently occupied by Beth (Snider)

and Dick Clark, and for many years was regularly occupied by Birch and Cathy Snyder.

That couple is now attending the New Enterprise Church of the Brethren.

On the opposite side, second pew back from the front, can often be seen David

Snyder. His dad, Harry S. Snyder, gave that pew in memory of his wife, Dave’s mother,

Laura May (Henry) Snyder. Harry Snyder donated a second pew not far away in memory

of his parents, David Buck and Laura Belle (Green) Markey.

At another time I hope to repeat a column that appeared in the newsletter years

ago listing all the donors of pews, but for now it should be noted that Rev. Hartman and

his wife paid for the very front pew on the parking lot side.

--Submitted by David Snyder

Church Picnic a Fun Time of Fellowship

Nearly 75 family, friends and members of St. John's gathered together on Friday

July 11, 2025, in Frosty Hollow for food and fellowship at our church picnic.

The picnic was coordinated by Marsie Albright and Cindy Johnson and held at

their family's picnic area in rural Roaring Spring. There were 44 adults and 30 children

who attended and enjoyed hamburgers, hot dogs, and many tasty covered dishes and

desserts.

The evening weather was perfect, which allowed the children to run, play and

jump around, and those that wanted to relax could do so around a campfire that was

burning. A scavenger hunt was also held, which led the participants around looking for

unique items.

It was a wonderful, enjoyable evening had by all.

-Submitted by Julie Russell

Church Fundraiser – Custom Shirts & Apparel!

We’re launching a church apparel fundraiser featuring our official St. John’s

Reformed Church logo! You can browse all available styles—including T-shirts,

sweatshirts, hoodies, and more—by visiting: tinyurl.com/SJRCL

This site serves as a catalog only—you cannot order directly from the website.

Each style offers multiple color options, so be sure to click on each item to view them all.

How to Order:

Write down:

o Style name

o Color

o Size

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Be as specific as possible, there are a lot of variations, and we want to make sure

your order is correct.

Submit your order slip to the green collection box on the media team table at the

back of the church.

Fundraiser Note:

To help support the church:

We’ll be rounding up the cost of each item (roughly $5 per shirt will go directly to

the church).

For higher-priced items (like some sweatshirts), the added amount may be a bit

less, we’re keeping everything affordable.

See Jordan with any questions or if you’d like help placing your order.

Let’s wear our logo with pride and support our church family at the same time!

LOOKING AHEAD

• Women's Guild Meeting Friday, August 8, 6:00 p.m.

• Church Family Retreat at Camp Mantowagan September 12, 13 & 14. Signup

sheet is on the welcome table.

• Southern Gospel Sing with Good Time Gospel Quartet will be at “The Barn at

Homestead Manor” on Sept. 20, 2025. Time to be announced. Food and craft

vendors will also be present.

• 4 C’s Ladies Fall Retreat Friday evening/Saturday, Sept. 26 and 27, at

Sequanota Conference Center near Jennerstown. Our theme is “Jesus is a Girl’s

Best Friend.” Sessions are designed to rest, regroup, and refresh us in a deeper

relationship with Jesus as we dig deep into gospel lessons and His forever

friendship. Time away from daily demands may give each lady a fresh

perspective! See Barb Thomas for more information.

• Ladies Encounter Fall Event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from

9:00 a.m. –1:00 p.m. at the Grace Fellowship in Leamersville. The speaker is

Cindy Foor. For more info, email celeste@breezeline.net

• Women's Guild Auction November 1, 5:00 p.m. Be thinking of items, services,

or gift baskets to donate for the auction. Invite family and friends.

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AUGUST PRAYER CONCERNS:

Eileen Adams, Joe Bowser, Jack Cottle, Amy Davis, Krystal Disney, Aaron Gable,

Dennis Holderbaum, Klim family (grieving), David & Nicole Leidy, Quinton Morrow,

Charlie Mountain, Joy Nelson, Kim Ritchey, Betsy Rupp, Kelly Schibi, Justice &

Jackson Suter, John Thomas, Linda Weitzel

AUGUST FOOD PANTRY REQUESTS:

Jiffy cookie mixes, pancake mixes, syrup, Jell-O, instant puddings, cereal, microwave

meals, cleaning items, paper products, and toilet paper

CALENDAR

Acolytes:

August 3 – Grayson Rodgers

August 10 – Janie Russell

August 17 – Sole Rhoat

August 24 – Grayson Rodgers

August 31 – Janie Russell

Music Ministry:

August 3 – volunteer needed

August 10 – volunteer needed

August 17 – Choir

August 24 – Youth Choir

August 31 – volunteer needed

Children's Moment:

August 3 – Laurie Stiles

August 10 – Joy Nelson

August 17 – volunteer needed

August 24 – Cindy Johnson

August 31 – volunteer needed

Altar Flowers:

August 3 – Mark & Lauren Sell

August 10, 17, 24 – volunteer needed

Birthdays:

3-Mava Cottle

3-Chase Kagarise

8-Anna Snyder

9-Ashlee McEwen

11-Luke Sell

14-Jude Nelson

14-Mikayla Widmann

21-Janie Russell

22-Joy Nelson

24-Ella Snyder

25-Cindy Johnson

29-Augustine "Gus" Salyards

29-Lois Lewis

29-Bryan Smith

Anniversaries:

9-Adrian & Kristin Snyder

29-Bob & Cindy Johnson

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