Luther's Seal

1980-1990

1981

In September, Evangelism made plans for Fellowship Breakfasts which were held monthly at local restaurants. These breakfasts were attended by interested members, new members, and potential members (who got their breakfast free!).

1983

In November, St. John celebrated its 25 years in ministry. The mission statement at that time was, "We, the members of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, as believers in Christ, strive to win all people to Him. Sustained by the Holy Spirit, we share the Gospel in the congregation, the community, and the world through our witness of love, worship, service, learning, and fellowship." The anniversary banquet was held at Christ Lutheran Church at a cost of $2.50 per person.

1984

A Young Adults group was started by Jim and Jean Weber. In November, Cottage Meetings were held in members' homes. Sponsored by the Long Range Planning Task Group, the meetings were designed to share the work and study of the Task Group and to obtain "feedback" from the members of St. John.

1985

In August, we became involved in the synodical program called "Growth in Christian Response," an intensive motivational/educational program for congregations to do intentional planning for growth in Christian stewardship. In addition, a task group was formed to make a feasibility study relative to our building needs and projections for future growth. After collecting data, the task group reported that indications were that we should give serious consideration to building expansion and that a building committee should be appointed to further study needs assessment and financial capability which would be reported to the congregation when complete. In November, flooding washed out dirt around the south driveway and flooded some of the Sunday School rooms, office, and fellowship hall. A culvert was purchased and set to keep the driveway from eroding further.

1986

In May, the congregation approved the appointment of a Building Committee to pursue the feasibility of a building program that would include a new sanctuary, connecting unity and renovations to the present building and grounds.

1987

In August, the Reverend Mark A. Graham became the fifth pastor of St. John.

1988

St. John fielded a softball team in the city's church softball league. The next year, basketball and volleyball were also included. In May, the church voted to sell the parsonage on Woodridge in order to allow the pastor to purchase his own home. The parsonage was sold on October 12, 1988. In December, the original church mortgage was paid in full.

1989

A McManis Pipe Organ was purchased for $9,000. The organ was previously used in the Virginia Tech War Memorial Chapel and had fallen into very bad repair. After having extensive repairs made to it, the organ was installed in the sanctuary in 1990. It was then further refurbished to meet our musical needs and was dedicated on February 13, 1994. On October 22nd, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the third unit of construction (which is our current sanctuary, prayer chapel, narthex, and office suite).

1990

In October, a Congregational Life Committee was formed in order to study and make recommendations concerning mission, goals, worship, and organization of St. John. A comprehensive congregational survey was developed and personal interviews conducted, resulting in recommendations for the future direction of St. John for the next 3-5 years. On the 14th of October, the Service of Dedication was held for the completed third unit.