Jottings from St. John’s | October 2025

Conservative Congregational Christian Conference

Loysburg, PA 16659............October 2025

www.sjrcl.org

stjohnsloysburg@gmail.com

Church Retreat Takes Attendees "Further Up and Further In"

During the weekend of September 12th-14th, fifty-four people gathered together

at Camp Mantowagan in Saxton, PA for the 2nd annual St. John’s Reformed family

retreat. Eleven different “family units” stayed the night at the camp with many others

commuting back and forth and joining when they could. The weekend was filled with

God’s amazing blessings to us, His people. Plentiful sunshine, wonderful food, lots of

laughter, great music, deepening friendships, and a growing understanding of the love of

Jesus permeated the peaceful and tree covered hillside of the camp.

It should be said that the word peaceful could only be used to describe the areas

where our church’s 21 children and young adults weren’t playing together. A better

description of those places would be raucously joyful.

They roved around the camp in a large pack, leaving echoes of their laughter behind them as they played basketball, slid down slides, swung on swings, and scooted on scooters.

The weekend started off when people began arriving Friday afternoon. Barb and

her crew rolled in first, unloaded a rather large amount of food, and organized the kitchen

for the weekend. Others began to trickle in and settle into their cabins and rooms

throughout the evening. One camper said it felt like he had “come home” when he

arrived at the camp and made his way to his cabin for the weekend.

The Friday evening chapel session began (just slightly late) with Mark and Jack

leading us in worship with their banjo and guitar.

Chris led the evening discussion by exploring the weekend’s theme of “Further Up and Further In” by relating it to our call to deepening unity with each other and in Christ by exploring Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17.

From there we made our way down to the fire ring to enjoy hot dogs, s'mores,

and some more soulful bluegrass hymns with Jack and Mark around the campfire. Some

made their way home after this, while others made their way to the gym for some late-

night games. Eventually, those who were staying headed to their rooms and cabins for

bed.

Saturday morning broke bright and clear as the kitchen sent out deliciously

tempting smoke signals to the outlying cabins. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs headlined the

menu for the morning with many other delicious sides to accompany. Large amounts of

coffee were consumed throughout the weekend, and especially during breakfast. Barb,

John, Kim, Steve, and Deb converted their hard work into a scrumptious and hearty meal.

Many hands made “light” work of cleanup.

Katrina then put together a camp-wide scavenger hunt for the kids, which turned out to be rather difficult. It ended up going on for most of the day until Dana found a feather at Balanced Rock.

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The bell was sounded to gather for the morning session, which was led by Matt. He continued his series on heaven, which tied in to C.S. Lewis’ original

intent behind his “further up and further in” quote from The Last Battle. Matt pointed out

that our service and fellowship will continue in glory. He also addressed how

encouraging it has been to see that during this time, when we as a church are in between

pastors, we have had many from within the church step up and take on more, as well as

see new servers. He aimed to stress the importance of serving in the local church and

how it is one of the most important things we will do to grow in our faith. He left a

thought for us all to consider in closing:

If we cannot serve one another within our church, how much more difficulty will we encounter when trying to serve in a Christ-like way within our community and beyond?

To close, Jordan and Lauren led the singing with some praise and worship music.

Afterward, Sole volunteered to head up some games with a wild and wound up

group of youths. During this time and until early afternoon, many of the adults enjoyed

time spent sitting and talking together. Many who attended said that they enjoyed this

year’s lessened programming and ample free time.

No formal lunch was provided, but snacks and lunchmeat for sandwiches were available for those who wanted something to tide them over until dinner.

A trip to Trough Creek was next for most of those there. Balanced Rock and Copperas were explored by “young” and “old.” No stone was left unturned (especially by Sammy) as frogs, crayfish, and bugs were caught at the creek.

Though the kids could have stayed for many more hours, we headed back to the camp for dinner. The pork chops provided by Ryan were wonderful, as were the cheesy potatoes

provided by the Howes. Numerous amazing desserts were provided by many different

people for the weekend. The only way to enjoy the desserts was to enjoy them all at

once!

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The Sunday morning turnout as we wrapped up this year's church retreat

The evening chapel session started out with a panel of younger church members

telling us their names and something they enjoyed about our church. More singing led by

Jordan and Lauren followed. A favorite part of the weekend for many came next as Deb,

Katrina, Sandy, Jack, Jordan, and Mark participated in a discussion panel in which they

shared their stories about how they came to believe in Jesus and what brought them to St.

John’s. Moving testimonies and thoughts brought tears and many smiles from the

audience. We are truly blessed to be part of what God is doing at St. John’s.

The gymnasium was the next stop for many for some more fun and games.

Basketball showdowns, ping pong, and air hockey were all happening at once. No one

really wanted the night to end, and a few of the kids even convinced their parents to

exchange them for each other for the night, but everyone did eventually close their eyes

for some much needed rest.

Sunday morning breakfast was quicker, but also a delicious one. Homemade

muffins, toast, Pop-tarts, and leftovers were to be had. Following breakfast was the

Sunday morning service. Mark led some impromptu worship on his banjo and Pastor

Camenga joined us and shared a great message from Hebrews 11 that tied in with the

weekend’s theme. A church family photo was taken and a final clean up was done

together. It would be very safe to say we all look forward to spending this weekend

together again next year.

It was hard to believe that it had been a year since we gathered together at camp

and learned of Pastor Dave’s coming retirement. Much has happened and changed since

September 2024, but when we looked around over the weekend, we could all see the

same faces (along with a few new ones) and feel the same unity.

We all continue to be led by Jesus further up and further into the loving arms of the Father as we eagerly look forward to full and everlasting unity together in Christ in the new heavens and new earth.

--Submitted by Christopher Kurtz

4 C's Allegheny Fellowship Ladies Fall Retreat

Forty-two ladies on Friday evening, joined by four more on Saturday morning,

attended our 18th annual 4 C’s Allegheny Fellowship Ladies Fall Retreat at Sequanota

Conference Center, Jennerstown, Sept. 26 and 27. We studied 5 sessions of "Jesus is a

Girl's Best Friend," which focused on God's unconditional love & willingness to be our

comforter, confidant, strengthener, guide & friend. No matter how far we've strayed,

how lost or unworthy we feel, God's way home is but a prayer or whisper away.

Jesus welcomes us with arms wide open, willing to die on the cross that we may be picked up, dusted off, and given a new life in Him.

Carol Deremer, Patti Deal, Amy Pepe, Myra Whysong-Krentz, and Sue Northcraft led the sessions. Barb Thomas directed worship and praise. Jeanne Detwiler, with daughter and granddaughter Connie and Ivy Ochoa, guided the ladies in completing a craft. Patty Larson demonstrated the strength of three cords, symbolizing the Trinity and also the power of God intertwined in marriages and friendships.

Debbie Bowser read a short message for our closing from Matthew 25 that tells us to be prepared for Jesus’s return. All ladies participated in devotions, discussion and fellowship! It was a wonderful retreat!

Carol pointed to a study in her session that says people with bad health habits but

strong relationships live significantly longer than people with great health habits but

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isolation from others. To quote John Ortburg, “It is better to eat Twinkies with good

friends than to eat broccoli alone.” (Obviously this quote grabbed my attention!) The

ladies fellowship exists to help us grow deeper in relationship with God and with one

another, to praise Jesus for all He does for us, and to share the Good News with others.

Next year’s ladies fall retreat is Sept. 25 and 26, 2026, at Sequanota.

Ladies (and girls) in attendance at the retreat.

--Respectfully submitted, Barb Thomas, Ladies Fellowship leader

Mission’s Corner

For the past several years, Matt and I have supported Jason and Anita Maust, who

(along with their two sons who are still in homeschool high school) serve with Arctic

Barnabas Ministries (ABM) in Alaska doing missionary aviation. ABM exists to serve

pastors and missionaries in remote Alaskan villages. Jason and Anita, as well as others in

the ABM team come alongside pastors and missionaries and their families to encourage

them, offer fellowship and friendship, and practical help, from helping with construction

projects to helping catch the year's supply of salmon. We have been greatly encouraged

to read the Maust family's newsletter and hear about all the ways that God is working to

hearten those in ministries in Alaska through the ABM team, which in turn allows the

light to continue to pierce the darkness in these villages that are isolated and greatly

needing the gospel.

From arcticbarnabas.org,

"Pastors and missionaries without a support system in place are struggling with the difficulties of ministry in remote Alaska. 'It is the vision of Arctic Barnabas Ministries that remote Alaska has a thriving Gospel presence!'"

We have personally met Jason and Anita Maust twice, once several years ago

before they embarked on this adventure, and again last year when they came to speak at

Christ Church in Roaring Spring. They are genuine and funny, and their excitement and

passion for what God is doing in Alaska is contagious.

--Submitted by Joy Nelson

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From the Consistory President

The Consistory met on September 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the basement of the

church. The treasurer reports giving is still strong since Pastor Dave retired, and we are

grateful for the generosity you have shown. The bill for the kitchen is practically paid

off.

The bathroom project is completed in the parsonage with just some plumbing and

ventilation work to be done. In fact, we have moved on to painting and flooring. Deb

Bowser has taken the reins on the painting (A very big thank you to Deb!) and is seeking

people to help. So, if several of you can, please chip in and have a paint party with

Debbie (free pizza) for several hours on Saturday, October 11. We are also in the process

of replacing the flooring on the first floor. This will be done professionally. By the time

it is finished the parsonage will look like a new home!

Chris reported the Family Retreat was a rousing success. The family atmosphere

was wonderful with the campfire on Friday night and the family excursions on Saturday.

The kids seemed to have a blast in the gym area, and of course the food was great! A

grateful shout out to all who provided food and worked the kitchen. Pastor Camenga

came for Sunday morning service and the elders provided sessions on Friday and

Saturday, along with a panel discussion on Saturday evening. If you couldn’t make it this

year (or last) you really don’t know what you are missing. We encourage you to make

plans to come next year and remember you do not have to spend the night or the whole

weekend. You can pop in at your convenience to share a meal or an activity or just come

for Sunday morning service (and then be part of the group picture). It truly is a relaxing

time with the church family.

The Consistory decided and the Congregation approved (at the September 21

congregational meeting) to no longer utilize the services of the Interim Pastor Ministry.

Joel contacted them via email on September 22 and they concurred that it was probably

the best move for our church at this time. The Pastor Search Committee is looking at a

potential candidate and also exploring the use of a placement service that specializes in

pastor placements. The committee will keep you updated.

The next Consistory meeting will be held October 9 at 6:30 p.m. in the copy room

of the basement.

--Submitted by Joel Ritchey

Meal Train for Brad & Berneta Gable

A Meal Train has been created for Berneta & Brad Gable for those from our

church family to sign up to take meals to the couple Mondays, Wednesdays

& Fridays. There is no obligation to join the meal train. This simply helps to

provide a steady flow. Friends are always welcome to drop off something on

other days also at your convenience. Call Berneta at 814-766-3272 to

determine best times to stop in. If interested, the Meal Train link to volunteer

on any of the 3 days for meals is https://mealtrain.com/o8kyr8. October 13

and October 15 are still available.

-submitted by Barb Thomas

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WOMEN'S GUILD MEETING MINUTES

August 8, 2025

Overview of Program:

Debbie Bowser had the program which was a dialogue from the “Fish Wrapper” about

the Lord’s Prayer. Deb and Kim Rodgers read back and forth through the very

interesting content regarding the different elements of the Lord’s Prayer and how it

intertwines into our life and how we think about it.

I. BUSINESS MEETING DETAILS:

1. Tina opened the Business Meeting, offering collected, and meeting called to order.

2. Julie read the Secretary’s report and was accepted as read.

3. Marsie read the Treasurer’s report and was accepted as read. Question was asked about

the Spaghetti Fundraiser monies and reminded that the monies were given to the Church

funds for building funds and renovations.

II. OLD BUSINESS:

1. Thank you to Cindy and Marsie for a wonderful picnic- all enjoyed the food and

fellowship-especially the scavenger hunt, which was a hit with the participants!

2. Big thank you to Marsie especially, but all that helped with the Spaghetti fundraiser.

The donations from Delgrossos and Pacificos were greatly appreciated.

3. Deb Bowser informed the group the oven has been cleaned and mat is in the oven and

discussed cleaning of the stove top.

4. Kim Rodgers noted she has obtained spatulas for the kitchen.

III. NEW BUSINESS

1. Harvest Home service followed by Covered Dish Meal is October 19. Beverly will be

coordinating, please see her to volunteer with the service. Set up tables for the meal and preparing the food donation table in the sanctuary for the NB Food Bank will be on October 18th .

2. Daily Bread Devotion books are available on the welcome table.

3. Shelley mentioned the info she gathered about the food trucks for the Auction

November 1st at 5 p.m. The group decided to offer soups, sandwiches, desserts by

donation during the auction.

Cindy and Marsie will bring a needs list to the next Women’s Guild Business Meeting.

Keep talking about the Auction and bring up in Sunday school, announce in Church, put in the bulletin.

4. Marsie inquired if the church offered a Father Son banquet, and it was mentioned at

one time the church had, but it fizzled out. This year they did a men’s fishing trip and it

went well, and it was in the spring before sports and vacations got in full swing, and had

a good turnout.

5. Mention of having another spaghetti fundraiser but move to earlier in the year-

possibly February.

Next meeting will be October 3, 6 p.m. Program- Cindy Johnson. Laurie Stiles and Beth Cottle are the hostesses. Discussion will include Harvest Home Service, Christmas Programs, and requests of Christmas offerings and gifts.

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LOOKING AHEAD

• Bedford County Life Chain October 5 from 2:30-3:30 between the Bedford Elementary School and St. Thomas Catholic Church. Participants may pick up signs at the elementary school parking lot beginning at 2 p.m. and then find a location to display the signs for one hour along Business Rte. 220, from the school southward, crossing the Raystown Branch bridge onto S. Richard St. to St.

  Thomas Catholic at Penn and S. Williams Sts. The Life Chain is a peaceful and

  prayerful public witness of pro-life Americans standing in honor of over 64

  million lives lost to abortion. Bottled water, lawn chairs, umbrellas and strollers

  are welcome. For more information call 814-839-4806.

• Painting Party -

  A painting party at the church parsonage is scheduled for

Saturday, October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We will break for a pizza lunch at 12:00. Bring a paint roller (covers will be provided) and a paint brush. Hope you will join us. "Many hands make light work," and the more who come, the

faster the parsonage gets painted. (See Deb Bowser for more info.)

• God's Girls Event God's Girls is a faith event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 18, at the United Church of Schellsburg. Women of all ages

are invited to be uplifted, motivated, and encouraged in their walk with God by

speaker Pastor Linda Kibler. This free event includes a complimentary lunch. To

pre-register, call 814-733-4811 or email unitedchurchofschellsburg@gmail.com,

Facebook, or Eventbrite.com ticketing 'God's Girls'-Bedford.

• Reformation Day Service at Christ Church, Roaring Spring. It will be on

Sunday, October 26th, beginning at 5 p.m. There will be a pizza supper at 5:00,

followed by the service at 6:00, which will include a hymn sing. If any from St.

John's are interested in coming to the meal, please let Joy Nelson know by

October 24th so that Christ Church can order enough pizza for everyone.

• Trunk or Treats:

-October 30, 6-8 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren in Roaring Spring.

Address is 901 Bloomfield St., Roaring Spring.

-October 30, 6:00 p.m. at The Queen Memorial Church,

1379 Beaver Dam Road, Claysburg.

• 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.

• Planning Started for Christmas Program

Barb Thomas is collaborating with Sunday School superintendent Mark Sell in

planning our annual Christmas program which will be held on December 14th.

The adult and youth choirs will sing.

Each class will have the opportunity to participate in the program.

The ladies guild has planned a covered dish carry in meal, our “St. John’s

Reformed Christmas Luncheon,” following the program. Stay tuned for more

information!

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