Saint John Lutheran Church

175 East Main St., P.O. Box 25, New Freedom, Pennsylvania 17349

717.235.2315

Sunday Worship Schedule

9.00am Eucharist (Service of Holy Communion)

Sunday of the Passion

9am Procession with Palms & Eucharist
Sunday, March 29th

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.

Maundy Thursday

7pm Eucharist
Thursday, April 3rd

This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.

Good Friday

12pm & 7pm Tenebrae
Friday, April 3rd

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

Holy Saturday

7pm Easter Vigil & Eucharist
Saturday, April 4th

This is the night of salvation! At the Vigil of Easter, we gather around fire, word, water, bread, and wine, proclaiming through story and song that ours is a God who continuously brings life out of death. On this night we experience again the heart of God’s baptismal promise and the center of our faith: we are claimed and cleansed, renewed in the death and resurrection of Christ. We gather with all the saints of every time and place to celebrate the good news: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord

7am & 9am Easter Sunday Eucharist
Sunday, April 5th

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

Feeding America Food Distribution

Mondays & Wednesdays

11.30 AM – 12.30 PM

Drive-thru Service at St. John Lutheran Church

175 E. Main St.

New Freedom, PA 17349

This event is first-come, first-serve.

For more information, please call 717.235.2315.

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Our History

Over 150 Years and Counting

The first Lutheran church in New Freedom was started in about 1869 as a union church, sharing a building with a Reformed congregation.

A parsonage was built in New Freedom, and a telephone was installed.

On October 18, 2019, St. John celebrated its 150th anniversary.

How You Can Help

The Lord's Lunch

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Ongoing Activities

This has been a difficult year for many families, particularly our senior population. On Saturday, November 21st, in lieu of our regular brown bag lunch, we will be preparing a Thanksgiving meal to go.

Please consider donating a turkey breast for that day. You can drop them off to the church office Monday – Friday, 9am to 2pm. All donations need to be received by November 14th. Contact Maria at 717-235-2315 for any questions.

Additional information can be foumd on the Lord’s Lunch Facebook page.

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We are a SHARE Host Site

We are continuing our collection of toiletry items and cleaning supplies.
We are collecting winter clothing, coats, hats, gloves, etc.
We also need volunteers for set-up, serving, kitchen help, clean-up, and home bakers. See our signup sheet located in the Narthex for open dates.
Additionally, a representative from the York County Area on Aging will be available to assist local area residents in finding resources for specific needs.
Any questions, please call the church office, 717-235-2315, or Bill & Linda Schmalzer, 410-357-9415.
Join us for a free lunch twice a month on Saturdays, 11:30am – 1:30pm.
Everyone is Welcome.

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