Jottings from St. John's | December 2025
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Conservative Congregational Christian Conference
Loysburg, PA 16659………...December 2025
From the Consistory President:
The Consistory met on
November 20, 2025, in the copy room of
the church. The primary topic of the
meeting was the upcoming 2026 budget
for the church. We are compiling a
preliminary budget to finalize prior to
the annual congregational meeting on
January 25, 2026. Although our
numbers look good we have to keep in
mind we have not paid a pastor in the
last year (including his expenses). We
will hold a budget meeting on December
14, following the Children’s Christmas
program. We will meet in the choir loft
and are respectfully asking the
celebration of the children be held in the
fellowship hall, allowing us to finish our
meeting prior to the Congregational
meal and party.
It has been 11 months since
Pastor Dave retired, and in that time the
church has leaned heavily on Elders
Matt Nelson and Christopher Kurtz to
fill the pulpit either as Worship leaders
or leading the congregation in service.
Chris has also made sure that we have
had supply pastors almost every week.
These tasks are not easy and require
much preparation and time away from
family. The Consistory formally agreed
to give these two the Christmas holiday
off to spend with their families. Elder
Joel Ritchey has prepared the Advent
reflections for the season and will cover
for Matt and Chris during the Christmas
Communion service and the Christmas
Eve service. When you see Chris and
Matt throughout the holidays please take
a moment to thank them for their faithful
service to St. John’s and wish them a
Blessed Christmas.
We are also aware that at times
the church services have been lengthy
and cutting into the Sunday school
lessons. We are entertaining ideas on
how to resolve this issue. With this
season of Thanksgiving, the Consistory
wishes to express our gratitude to God
and you for allowing us to serve you and
for your trust in us. We pray that each
of you had a blessed and happy
Thanksgiving. God Bless.
--Submitted by Joel Ritchey
VBS Meeting to Begin Planning
There will be a meeting for VBS
on January 4 th after Sunday school to
discuss what our goals are and decide on
a program. I would like to thank
everyone who helped to make it a great
week last year. I would like to let
everyone know that Shelly Vaughn has
agreed to be my assistant for the coming
year.
-Submitted by Tina Holderbaum, VBS
Director
Church Christmas Card Exchange
On Saturday, December 13 th , we will meet at 9 a.m. to sort Christmas cards, fill
treat bags, and set up the tables in the fellowship hall for our carry-in meal the following
day. Christmas cards must be in the card box by 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 13 th , to be
sorted.
-Submitted by Kim Rodgers
MEETING MINUTES St. John’s Women’s Guild- November 7, 2025
Overview of Program:
Peg Watcher had the program and opened with reading Psalm 23. Peg shared a few
readings from correspondences she receives in the mail. One discussed Christian
theological framework and shared scriptures Matthew 5:14 and Romans 13:1. The topic
of another article was Miracles of American History and how God provided care in the
development of America, and named America’s Greatest Hero as God. The last one Peg
shared was in relation to Religions before Christianity – the Persian Empire, Islam, and
Pilgrims--how those different religions developed and people were called to take the
Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Barb closed in prayer.
BUSINESS AT HAND:
1. Gardner’s candy Fundraiser- Deb informed the group there is two boxes left, one of
which they will open and sell individual bars at the church.
2. Auction, November 1- what to do with the items left- Sandy motioned and Julie
seconded to let items there for people to look at and make donation if they would like to
take the item. Items will be left at church until Sunday November 23, then donated to
Love, Inc. or Salvation Army. Molly to coordinate removal of left over items. Cindy
will announce in church about the items and donations if desired. Discussion also over
the monies from the Auction and dispersal. It was decided to keep monies in the Guild
account at this time. Plan for another auction in 2-3 years.
3. Elections for officers: Proposed officers are Tina- President, Deb- Vice President,
Barb-Secretary, Laurie-Assistant Secretary and Treasurers would remain the same (Beth
and Marsie, Asst.). No other nominations offered, Barb motioned to close nominations,
Kim seconded. No objections to proposals, officers elected as indicated.
4. Guild Christmas Meeting- December 5- Marsie has the program and all are welcome
to bring a snack to share.
5. Hoffman Home boxes are out in Fellowship Hall and Welcome table and available to
receive donations through December 7th .
6. Christmas Program and Covered Dish Luncheon December 14. Worship at 9:30 and
Christmas Program to start at 10:45-11 a.m. Setup will be December 13th around 9 a.m.
7. 2026 Homewood dues- Cindy Johnson informed the group she will be collecting
Auxiliary dues through December 21. She gave an overview of what the Auxiliary does
for the residents, and it is one of the largest Auxiliaries. Her goal is 30 memberships.
8. Christmas Gift idea for Kim Ritchey- discussion was held and it was decided to bring a
recipe with an ingredient, gift card or personal care item to the December 5th meeting
and will assemble then.
9. Visitation schedule was discussed and questions answered. Mentioned sending a card
will fulfill the visit for the month- an in-person visit is not required.
NEW BUSINESS
1. New officers meeting to be held early December to select date for 2026 calendar.
2. Cookbook fundraiser- nothing new- table until 2026- Marsie and Lauren leads on this.
3. Deb will discuss at Sunday School about the Chili cook off and Soup-er Bowl on
Sunday, February 8.
4. Cindy proposed to do spaghetti dinner earlier in year- perhaps February 28th . Cindy to
discuss with Marsie and Beth. Will bring back to meeting with update.
Kim motioned for meeting to be adjourned, Julie seconded. Barb closed in prayer.
Next meeting December 5, 6 p.m., Marsie with the program and all are welcome to bring
a Christmas snack.
Women's Guild Church Auction a
Success
The Women's Guild would like
to thank everyone who generously
donated items for and/or attended the
auction held on November 1 st . The total
amount raised as of now (money is still
coming in) is $5,013. This was the
guild's biggest fundraiser this year.
Thank you to all who made it a success!
Plans are in the works for a February
spaghetti dinner to raise money for the
children's summer church camp fund.
-Submitted by Cindy Johnson
Pictured above: Cindy Johnson, Beth Clark, Joel Ritchey, and Christopher Kurtz at the auction.
(Photo submitted by Kim Rodgers)
Hoffman Home Collections Due Soon
The last day to contribute
donations to the Hoffman Home box is
Sunday, Dec. 7 th . Donations are for
children and youth resident of Hoffman
Home near Gettysburg, ages 7-21. Staff
will purchase Christmas gifts for those
who will spend Christmas at the facility.
Hoffman Home provides psychiatric
care, treatment, therapies, services, and
education to approximately 115
residents. Your donation says someone
cares.
-Submitted by Barb Thomas
Winter Warmth Donations
We will accept donations of
sock, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves
(place on or under tree in basement)
which will be divided between the
Hollidaysburg Veterans Home and the
NB Food Bank for needy families in the
area until Christmas. Thank you for
your contributions.
-Submitted by Barb Thomas
Sunday School Christmas Program
Please attend our annual St.
John’s Reformed Sunday School
Christmas Program,
following the Dec. 14th worship service
at approximately 10:45/10:50 a.m. Our
first “St. John’s Reformed Christmas
Luncheon” (covered dish) will follow
the program. We urge all church
members, families, and friends to
support our Sunday school efforts by
joining us for both the program and the
Christmas fellowship meal. “Jesus is
born!”
-Submitted by Barb Thomas
Choir's Holiday Happenings
Choir will break Dec. 17 through Jan. 28,
resuming Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 6:30.
The choir invites all to join us
Tuesday, Dec. 16 to carol for a few local
members, followed by a short stroll in
Loysburg, singing carols. (Leaving
church parking lot at 4:30 p.m.)
We will carpool on Thursday,
Dec. 18 to Hilltop Health Center to sing
for Mava Cottle and friends. (Leave
church parking lot at 9:15 a.m).
Tuesday, Dec. 23 we will travel to
Homewood and Graystone, (again
leaving church parking lot at 4:30 p.m).
We will hand deliver cards, calendars,
and cookies to church members on all
three visits, so please have your cards at
the church by Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:00
a.m. if you want yours to be included.
-Submitted by Barb Thomas
Missions Corner
“To know Christ, make Him
known, and help others do the same.”
That is the calling of The Navigators.
The Navigators was founded in the
1930’s to help make disciples of Christ.
They focus on college campuses,
military bases, and other public group
settings to teach and train new disciples.
The Navigators has a close
personal connection to me. During my
college years, at a time where work and
class work made regular church
attendance difficult, I found the Penn
State campus Navigators group on
Friday nights. It was a wonderful time
with fellowship and sermons that hit
home. Jesus drew me near to him at a
critical time in life, thanks in part to The
Navigators ( www.navigators.org ).
-Submitted by Mark Sell
Homeschool Homemade/Entrepreneur Sale
All are invited to come to shop at the Family Entrepreneur Sale to be held Friday,
December 5th , from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the New Life Alliance Church, located at
52879 Everett Rd. in East Freedom.
The Gunnett family and the Nelson family will have
tables set up there selling homemade items. Please come support our homeschooled
children and their friends and find something unique and handmade to gift this Christmas,
from soap and jewelry to wooden items and baked goods. Thank you to those church
members who have come and supported us in previous years!
-Submitted by Joy Nelson
LOOKING AHEAD
Women's Guild Meeting Officer Meeting Wednesday, December 3, 5:30 p.m.
Please bring 2026 calendar.
Women's Guild Meeting Friday, December 5th , 6:00 p.m.
Family Entrepreneur Sale Friday, December 5th , 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., New Life Alliance Church 2879 Everett Rd., East Freedom.
Come shop for Christmas gifts made by local homeschool families. The Gunnett and Nelson families from our congregation will be selling items at the sale.
Church Christmas Cards to Exchange due in card box on back pew of church by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13.
Sunday School Christmas Program Sunday, December 14, 10:45 a.m. The
program will be held during the Sunday school hour. The children/youth choir
and the adult choir will sing, as well as all Sunday school classes may present
Christmas selections. A covered dish carry-in meal will follow immediately after
the program. Please come fellowship and invite your families!
Christmas Caroling Tuesday, December 16 (leaving church parking lot at 4:30
p.m.) visiting Loysburg/New Enterprise shut-ins. Thursday, December 18, at
Hillview Health Center, Altoona (leaving at 9:30 a.m.) to sing carols, and the
choir will be presenting several songs. Tuesday, December 23, caroling at
Homewood & Graystone (leaving church at 4:30 p.m.)
VBS Meeting January 4 th , following Sunday school
DECEMBER PRAYER CONCERNS:
Eileen Adams, Andrea Chamberlain, Penny Corle, Allen Detwiler, Jim Eshelman, Dave
Holderbaum, Dennis Holderbaum, family & friends of Tom Kunkle, Daniel Loomis,
Roger Morris, Charlie Mountain, Vesta Nave, Carl Otto, Carol Otto, Joel Ritchey, Kim
Ritchey, Kelly Schibi, Zeke Shade, family and friends of Bruce Snider.
DECEMBER FOOD PANTRY REQUESTS: Microwaveable meals, instant hot cereals (oatmeal/cream of wheat), boxed scalloped
potatoes, bagged instant mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, as well as laundry detergent
and dish detergent.
CALENDAR
Acolytes:
December 7-Sole Rhoat
December 14-Grayson Rodgers
December 21-Janie Russell
December 28-Sole Rhoat
Music Ministry:
December 7-Choir
**Any submissions for the January newsletter are due to Joy Nelson (22joylinette@gmail.com) by Wednesday, January 1 st . |
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