FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM MARCH 9, 2017 • BUZZ • THE QUEENS COURIER 43 St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church 123rd Street & 22nd Avenue, College Point ∙ (718) 463-4790 “Christ died for our sins… He was buried and… raised to life three days later as written in the Scriptures, that he appeared to Peter and then to all twelve apostles… That is the Gospel… You are saved by the Gospel if you hold firmly to it.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5, 2) St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church located at 123-07 22 Avenue, College Point, New York celebrates its 160th anniversary on Wednesday March 15, 2017. Our church is a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – Atlantic District (LCMS-AD). In 1853 some members of Trinity Lutheran Church on Ninth Street in Manhattan began a mission in Strattonport the name by which College Point was known at the time. Family names recalled in History of Queens County published in 1882 included Bennewitz, Dissen, Illers, Grube, Otto and Hebel. Trinity’s pastor Rev. Theodore J. Brohm came and preached at their request. Sankt Johannes or St. John’s came into existence officially on March 15, 1857 the founders having acquired a small schoolhouse on the southeast corner of what was then the intersection of College and Broad Streets today’s College Point Boulevard and 22nd Avenue. The first services were held there when Christian Loeber, a nephew of the Rev. Mr. Brohm was called to preach and to teach in the school. He left at the end of 1857 after receiving a call to Chicago. In 1858 Rev. August Heitmuller was called and in his time the inside of the wood frame church was finished then dedicated by Rev. Brohm on the 4th of July. It stood on the southeast corner of Park Street and Washington Avenue, 123rd Street and 22nd Avenue today. The present church building with its large attractive “Jesus the Lamb of God” stained glass window over the stoop was erected in 1912. Over the years our congregation was blessed to have been served by several, committed and caring pastors; 1858 – 1861 Rev. August Heitmuller; 1861 – 1863 Rev. J. C Renz; 1864 - 1910 Rev. August Ebendick; 1910 – 1938 Rev. Arthur Halfmann; 1938 – 1951 Rev. Clifford Meyer; 1952 – 1973 Rev Herbert A. Dick; 1973 – 2010 Rev. Arthur Gillespie; 2010 -2012 Rev. Eric Moeller; 2012 -Rev. Vernon Schultheis (vacancy Pastor) and our current pastor is Rev. Desmond Abraham Sukhdeo, Esq. Rev. Desmond Abraham Sukhdeo, Esq., was installed on October 4, 2014, he continues to serve in the Lutheran tradition of Word and Sacrament, holding firm that the future is brighter in Christ alone, Scripture alone, Faith alone and Grace alone. We continue to reach out, by God’s grace, to our community and beyond with the Love of Jesus in word and deed. Our worship experience is a blend of contemporary and liturgical worship. There is hope for tomorrow. Come and find out. Throughout the year there are numerous activities for people of all ages which are provided free by our church. All are welcome to be part of our services and activities which include Christian Education (adult and children Bible study); the youths are involved in basketball (St. John’s Royals) and other activities and meetings. Vacation Bible School for five days which includes drama, craft, games food and culminates with an ice cream banquet on the Church’s lawns. Thanksgiving feast for the neighborhood and annual community dinner. We participate in the annual College Point Memorial-day parade which concludes with a picnic. In addition we participate in the College Point Street Fair where with our team of musicians, choir and worship team we provide an inspiring worship experience for the community. At this event we also distribute tracts and other things publicizing the work of our church. We also have an annual gospel concert sponsored by our choir with special performances from other sister congregations. We also have a Men’s’ group, Women’s group and a Ladies Aid Society (LWML). In the summer, we have regular scheduled outdoor services where you can enjoy food, fun, fellowship, Music, and Bible teaching by Pastor Desmond. Our first annual St. John’s Street Fair was held on 22 Avenue between 123 and 124 Streets in the summer of 2016 and it was a tremendous success. This event was family focused. There were several booths including prayer, food, used items, games with prizes, food and music and bouncy house, made possible by the people of St. John’s. For the Easter season we have special services on Ash Wednesday and we meet every Wednesday evening during Lent for Bible Study, sharing our faith and food. On Maundy Thursday we meet for Holy Communion which is preceded by a Potluck. Good Friday is observed with two services at noon and at 7:30 pm. On Psalm Sunday and Easter Sunday we are blessed with special presentations by our Ministers of Music. During the Christmas season we involve our children and youths in an awesome Christmas Show. We also have Christmas Eve and Christmas morning services which are graced with the melodious songs of praise presented by our Ministers of Music. Our Church also lends its support to numerous ministries such as Bridge to Life, Teen Challenge, Lutheran Social Services and Hope Christian Center. Also, Operation Christmas Child where our youths and children are involved in this ministry opportunity – packing and organizing close to one hundred gift boxes every year for distribution to disadvantaged children across the world through Samaritan’s Purse. After all their hard the children and youths gather for a fun time with food, movie and craft. Over the past two years we have also hosted an annual “Bruce and Bruce” healing service with Bruce Van Natta and Bruce Carlson. Bruce Van Natta was miraculously healed by God under the ministry of Bruce Carlson, a former evangelist of St. John’s. The St. John’s family cordially invites the community to join us for our two 160th anniversary celebration services at 10:00am on Sunday March 12 and 19, 2017. We have invited two well-known compassionate and dynamic preachers for the occasion. Our guest preacher for the 12th is the Rev. Dr. David Benke, President Emeritus, LCMS-AD and, for March 19th the Rev. Derek Lecakes, President, LCMS-AD. All are welcome to St. John in Jesus Name. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to call Pastor Desmond at (718) 450-1110 or our church office at (718) 463- 4790. Come and experience the love of Jesus with our St. John’s family. …Come Worship Jesus. Celebrating Our 160th Anniversary March 15, 2017 Palm Sunday APRIL 9th 10am service Good Friday APRIL 14th 12 Noon & 7:30 PM Easter Sunday APRIL 16th 10am Service Lenten Bible Study EVERY WEDNESDAY DURING LENT 12 Noon & 7:30 PM 6:00 PM – Fellowship Time ��������������������������������������������������������������������
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