The Altar Guild is an opportunity to serve God as preparers and caretakers of the worship space. As preparers, the paraments and candles are changed in accordance with the liturgical calendar, and hymn numbers are appropriately displayed on the hymnal board. As caretakers, paraments, linens and vessels are carefully cleaned and stored; altar and pulpit flowers are wrapped for pick-up by donors or delivery to shut ins.
The outreach committee meets regularly to discuss communication opportunities for reaching our church family and community to share news about our church. Members of the committee are assembled into smaller groups to volunteer their time and talents to improve the church website, new exterior signs for the church, create banners to advertise events, develop marketing postcards, newspaper ads, and much more.
The Festival of Harvest Home has been a long-standing tradition here at St. John’s (Hain’s). The second Sunday in September our congregation gathers fruits, vegetables and flowers and displays them in the sanctuary. The celebration of Harvest Home is a time to give thanks to almighty God for all the fruits of the earth. After the service the produce is shared with the New Journey Soup Kitchen in Reading. Several local farmers bring their farm equipment to the Harvest Home celebration and display them on the church grounds for the congregation to enjoy. The farmers form a parade around the grounds and the children ride miniature tractors or participate in the hayride. Following the parade there is a covered dish social for all to enjoy.
A small group of church members meet with the Pastor and Music Director to plan meaningful worship services throughout the year. Some services are steeped in tradition at Hain’s such as the annual Hanging of the Greens Service, the 2nd Sunday of Advent. This committee also plans the flow of the services as well.
The Social Committee meets a few times per year to plan and host social events for our church family and local community. Some of our annual events include Pancake Breakfasts, Hain’s Homecoming, Harvest Home Covered Dish meal, Souper Bowl Sunday, Soup Sale and Yard Sale in the Grove. We are always looking for new ideas and help to plan social events. Join us for fellowship and fun!
