Called To Care
Our “Called to Care” ministry is a multifaceted way that we live out Jesus’ mandate to love one another. At the present time, we have four subgroups: Eucharistic visitors, visitation, a card ministry, and ‘light repair’ ministry. We also have some durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, shower chairs, etc.) that we lend out. The aim of this ministry is not to replace the ministry of our clergy staff, but to provide a way to strengthen ministries of caregiving by laypeople. As a part of this ministry, we strive to sharpen the caregiving skills of these lay-leaders.
Men’s Group
The Men’s Group is a loosely knit organization that exists to provide service where we can and to have some fun along the way. We meet to plan activities and share a meal. One of our missions is to prepare breakfast for the guests at the Ronald McDonald house in Hershey. On a larger scale, we serve pancake breakfast to the congregation three times a year. All men members of St. John’s (Hain’s) are considered members, so we hope to see you at an event.
Prayer Team
Our Prayer Team is a group that has covenanted with each other to pray regularly for our members, friends, and the world. Having said that, our prayer list is usually quite long! We gather to update the list monthly. Those who cannot meet but want to pray keep in touch with the group via email or telephone. We also spend some time learning and practicing different prayer styles, visiting nearby prayer labyrinths, and sharing guided meditations. Last Lent and Advent, our prayer team developed ‘prayer’ stations that reflected the weekly theme for worship and sought to draw our members into worship through our senses.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
The Prayer Shawl Ministry knits, crochets, and prays together, making shawls for anyone needing God’s grace and guidance. Meetings are the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm. If needed, supplies and patterns are available, as well as help to get started; creating can be done at home and at meetings! Finished shawls and an accompanying prayer are available for anyone to give and can be found in the closet in the chapel. Come join us, all are welcome!
Hain’s Prime Timers
The Hain’s Prime Timers meet the first Tuesday of each month for lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by a variety of programs that may include musicians, speakers, bingo, cards, dominos, scrabble or other board games. Our membership includes people from our church and the local communities. Various trips are scheduled throughout the year to places like American Music Theatre, Sight & Sound, Dutch Apple, Longwood Gardens, Turkey Hill, Herr’s Snack Foods, Berks County Heritage Center, Eldreth Pottery, Hershey Farm Restaurant, Yoder’s Restaurant and the Amish Farm in Paradise to name a few. Plan to meet with us on the first Tuesday of the month for a time of food and fellowship.
Sunday School Picnics
Sunday School picnics at Hain’s have been enjoyed by our community for many years. The picnics are held on the second Saturday in July and August from 4 to 8:30p.m. in our scenic picnic grove complete with a band shell and dining pavilion. It’s a time for sharing food, fellowship and music; all are welcome. Entertainment is provided by the Ringgold Band in July and the Washington Band of Annville in August along with games for the children. Food is one of the main attractions at our picnics. Early in the morning volunteers gather to prepare homemade food that is served to the picnic crowd later in the day. The menu includes chicken patty dinners and ham dinners along with potato filling, corn, green beans, pepper cabbage, applesauce, dessert and coffee. Hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, chicken BBQ’s, vegetable soup, chicken corn noodle soup, ice cream and soda are also served. Throughout the day we rely upon approximately 200 volunteers to prepare for the picnics. Profits from the picnics support the special needs of our Sunday School and the general upkeep of the church grove. All are welcome to join us at the picnics for food, fellowship and music!
Women’s Fellowship
The Women’s Fellowship was formed in 1989 through the union of the Mother’s Club and Women’s Guild. Our goals are to provide fellowship for the women of St. John’s (Hain’s), conduct service projects for the church congregation and the Community, and give financial support to St. John’s (Hain’s), the Sunday school and the community of our area. We meet the third Thursday of the month at 7 P.M. (except January, June, July and August) in the Church Chapel.
Women’s Fellowship and Service opportunities are: Monthly meetings, cooking and serving luncheons and dinners, Easter candy making, funeral luncheons, banquets for congregation and community.