828 King's Highway, Suffolk VA 23432

757 255-4168 stjohns1755@verizon.net Worship Service: Sundays at 10:30am
Welcome to St. John's community. We are honored to serve Christ, and to open our doors to all. Please feel free to join us for worship. St. John's can trace its history to the founding of Jamestown. The parish is over 350 years old, and the church building itself has stood for 2 and a half centuries. St. John's saw the American Revolution and served as a camp ground for troops during the Civil War. Through it all, St. John's has been a place of worship and a home for those seeking communion with Christ. St. John's has a rich and abiding history. Today, it is as it was... a place to find and be found by Christ.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

St. John's e-Word for Sunday, October 2, 2011

Blessing of the Animals – Will be held in conjunction with the Smithfield Parishes and churches at St. Luke’s Historic Church today at 2:00 pm. The Rector will be the Celebrant for this service. All are invited to attend.
Greetings to our new sitter – Today is Stephanie’s, from SeekingSitters©, first day in the Nursery. Please give her a warm St. John’s welcome this morning. She will be with us this week and next then periodically throughout the year.
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October 2, 2011, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for 16 Pentecost (Proper 22)
First Lesson: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20
Psalm 19
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:4b-14
The Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46

Lay Participants for October 2, 2011 - 10:30 am service
Chalicist:  Mary-Margaret
Lector:  Fred 
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  David and Gary
Nursery Attendant:  Stephanie
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments/Lemonade on the Lawn:  Marlene Stanton

Sermon for September 25:  http://chirb.it/Cr8Mf1
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Our Core Values – At St. John’s we will actively engage in Christian Fellowship and Community. We value our ability and desire to carry out God’s great commission serving the needs of our members and our community. (Acts 2:42, Acts 2:44-47, Acts 1:14, John 17:20-23) Therefore we will strive to look beyond our parish for opportunities to carry God’s redeeming message to the community without failing to meet the needs of those already in our midst.

Dr. Philip Thomas’ Retirement Party – Friends of Dr. Philip Thomas are organizing a retirement party for him, in appreciation of his 59 years of service to the Chuckatuck community. Dr. Thomas’ friends invite friends, patients, and neighbors to this event. The party will be held: October 9 at the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department from 2:00 – 5:00 pm (floating).

Bishop’s Day East – This will be held Saturday, October 8th at Good Shepherd Norfolk. This program is open to all Church leaders and anyone interested in becoming a Church leader. This includes wardens, vestry members, treasurer, lay leaders, and anyone interested in any of these positions in the future. The cost is $15.00 per person. There are a number of workshops. Each person can attend two workshops. Reservations need to be made by October 3rd. If you are interested, please contact the Rector.

This Sunday’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in unison. We will use a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber. The Psalm will be set to the Hymn 526, Let saints on earth in concert sing (Dundee), from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

“Women’s” Book Study - The “Women’s” Book study will be starting Wednesday October 5th with a potluck at Margaret Tankovich’s house at 6:30 pm. The study is not limited to women alone; the Rector does participate most weeks. The potluck is not limited to study participants (spouses are welcome), Margaret has indicated the Potluck is open to anyone who wants to attend – she only needs to know you are attending. We will be studying The Grand Weaver by Dr. Ravi Zacharias this year. The first meeting will be Wednesday October 12th from 10:00-11:30 am in the Parish Hall when the Rector will lead a class on a topic to be determined. The first class from the book will be on October 19th. To RSVP and for more information contact Margaret Tankovich at 357-2168.

Olan Mills Photo Sign-up - Our picture dates have changed! The NEW sign-up sheets for the upcoming directory photo shoot are in the Narthex. Please sign-up for a slot on Wednesday October 12 or Thursday October 13. Our block of time is from 2:00-9:20 pm both days. Please sign up to make our directory a success and representative of the parish.

$$ Pledge Drive $$ – We will be conducting our pledge drive in the coming weeks. Please be aware that (1) your pledge, while it should be firm, is not cut in stone – you can modify your pledge based on family and financial situations; (2) the pledge includes time, talent, and treasure to help the church achieve its mission and vision; (3) every little bit helps and helps us plan for the coming program year; (4) is something that you should determine based on your prayerful consideration of the thankfulness you have for God’s gracious bounty in your life – not simply in the past year but over the span of your lifetime.

Fran McKendree Concert – St. Christopher’s Portsmouth is hosting the Christian Musician Fran McKendree on October 29th at 7:00 pm in their Sanctuary. Fran is an amazing and gifted musician and minister of God’s word. He has the ability to bring out the celebratory side of people during his concerts. Advance tickets for the concert are $10/person ($8/person for families of 4 or more). In addition, a canned good for St. Christopher’s food pantry would be appreciated if you attend the concert. For more information see the flyer in the Rector’s Study.

Coffee Hour – There is a sign-up sheet for Coffee Hour in the Narthex. Please sign-up for an upcoming Sunday. The goodies can be as extravagant or simple as you would like – you need not be a gourmet chef to volunteer, simply desire to assist the fellowship efforts at the church.

Formation Classes – This week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20, The Ten Commandments. All are invited to join us in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:15. Next week we will cover Exodus 32:1-14, The Golden Calf.

Thought for the weekDoubt: If you find yourself in a place this day [morning] in a place where you lack certitude, where you cannot give ascent to a string of intellectual propositions—and many is the day [morning] that many of us cannot—then admit to honest doubt, to searching questions, and to genuine need. And that’s enough.
-Br. Kevin Hackett, SSJE
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Upcoming Events:
Wed. Sep. 28th    Set-up for Yard Sale
Thu. Sep. 29th     Set-up for Yard Sale
Fri. Sep. 30th       Set-up for Yard Sale
Sat. Oct. 1st        Multi-family Yard Sale – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (sponsored by Outreach)
Sun. Oct. 2nd       Blessing of the Animals @ St. Luke’s Smithfield – 2:00 pm (Fr. Ferguson Presiding)
Wed. Oct. 5th      “Women’s” Book Study potluck – 6:30 pm (Tankovich’s)
Sat. Oct. 8th        Bishop’s Days East – Good Shepherd Church, Norfolk
Mon. Oct. 10th     Columbus Day - Office closed
Wed. Oct. 12th     “Women’s” Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish House)
                             Olan Mills Photographs – 2:00 – 9:20 pm (Parish House)
Thu. Oct. 13th      Olan Mills Photographs – 2:00 – 9:20 pm (Parish House)
Sat. Oct. 29th       Fran McKendree Concert – 7:00 pm (St. Christopher’s Portsmouth)
Wed. Nov. 23rd    Greater Oakland/Chuckatuck Community Thanksgiving Service – St. John’s
Tue. Nov. 29th     Convocation IV Clericus Quiet Day – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Church and Parish House)
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PASTORAL CARE
Pray for Katherine, our presiding bishop; Holly, our bishop; and Les our priest.

St. John’s shut-ins, Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Theresa, Toni, Virginia, Tom, Lon, Luann, David, Evan, Faye and her family, Carter and his family, Foster family, Kevin, Peg, Mike, and Jim.

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan and Susan; Jonathon, David, and Patrick
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Basil
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Brandon, Burrowsville; College of William & Mary Canterbury Club and Chaplain; Emmanuel, Callaville; and the Happening Reunion.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Gregory Cameron of St Asaph, Wales

Altar Flowers: To the glory of God and in thanksgiving for their Anniversary by Kathy & Les.

Birthdays in October
Charles 09               Lindsay 10
Marcia 16                 Sharon 20
Marvin 20                 Basil 25
Rusty 27                  Tina 27
Terry 30

Anniversaries in October
Les & Kathy 01       Pretlow & Mary Kemple 04

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,
Please call Father Ferguson.
Cell:  757-418-0063

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Our Facebook page:
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sermon for Sunday September 25, 2011 - Pentecost 15 A (Proper 21)

Welcome to all as we close out September from damp yet beautiful Suffolk. It is a sign of grace that even as Fall arrives there are still signs of new life (besides the mushrooms); the back half of the yard is filled with beautiful little yellow flowers. Today marks the countdown to the return of our annual Yard Sale. There are lots of things to purchase at the church and many of them will be of very good quality - I invite you to come and see and purchase something to help us raise money for Outreach. Today’s sermon was entitled “Where do you get your authority?” below.

Les+

Monday, September 19, 2011

Christian education for Sunday September 25, 2011; Exodus 17:1-7

Exodus 17:1-7
Water From The Rock

Theme: The Book of Exodus continues the story of the growth of life of the patriarchs. This book takes place in two contrasting settings each with distinct story lines: pharaonic Egypt and at Mount Sinai. The first setting tells of Yahweh’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt; the second tells of the institution of the system of worshiping Yahweh at Sinai. This passage is near the conclusion of the sojourn to Sinai.

Background: The journey to Sinai is marked in stages from the crossing of the sea to arrival at Sinai. The stages along the way are marked by stories of God’s providence with the Israelites; water, bread, meat, and protection. At the end of these vignettes the Israelites will receive the Covenant at Sinai. These stories are also marked by a murmuring cycle where God provides, Israel accepts, Israel tires, God shakes them up, and Israel returns to relationship with God.

Questions to Ponder

Preparatory work: Please read Numbers 20:2-13
* What has transpired since Israel was informed they would have enough bread and quail to live in the desert?
* Would the context of the story change if, in verse 17:1, the phrase “…there was no water for the people to drink.” instead read, “…there was not enough water for the people to drink.”?
* Why might Moses be the focus of the Israelite’s quarreling at Massah and Meribah as opposed to Moses and Aaron in Exodus 16:2 and Numbers 20:2?
* How would the context of the story change if, in verse 17:3, the phrase changed from, “…bring us out…and our…” to “…bring me out… and my…”?
* In Exodus Moses is told to “strike the rock” to get water while in Numbers he is supposed to “command the rock” to provide water. What might the significance of this difference be?
* How may the identification of Moses’ staff as “the staff which you struck the Nile…” be important to the message of Exodus? Would the absence of that phrase in the Numbers version imply a different message? If so, what might that difference be?
* In Numbers Moses actually incurs the wrath of God for striking the rock. Why would God get angry at Moses for striking the rock in one account while telling Moses to strike the rock in another? Why might Moses have struck the rock in Numbers?
* How did the Israelites recognize that “God is among [us]” them? How do we know that God was among the Israelites?
* What are the implications of this story for us today?

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Sermon for Sunday September 18, 2011


Church went well today and we’re still working back into our regular year attendance. On the plus side we did have 4 kids in the nursery (which means their parents are in church). I hope we can keep that habit of children at church. As is our habit, we had a nice healing Eucharist and even had a few come forward. Today’s sermon is appended entitled “Our reward and our mission – come near to God.”

Les+

http://chirb.it/J3DpCw

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

St. John's e-Word for Sunday, September 18, 2011

Thought for the week – When reflecting on the church as a volunteer organization a clergy person was reported to say,

“The church is NOT a volunteer organization. Once you choose to attend a church all you do in that church is done from a sense of gratitude to God.”

How does what you do at St. John’s show your gratitude to God for all you have?

Recycling News – We have received our new 90-gallon recycling container at the church. The container is on the church side of the Parish House near the kitchen door. Do your part to recycle appropriate materials. Not sure what goes in the bin? Check out the flyer in the kitchen and the Narthex.
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September 18, 2011, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II & a Liturgy for Public Healing
Lessons for 14 Pentecost (Proper 20)
First Lesson: Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-41
Second Lesson: Philippians 1:21-30
The Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16

Lay Participants for September 18 - 10:30 am service
Chalicist:  Leone
Lector:  Ben
Prayers:  Terry
Ushers:  Anne and Bert
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments/Lemonade on the Lawn:  Anne

Sermon for September 11:  http://chirb.it/k8dceP
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Olan Mills Photo Sign-up - Our picture dates have changed! The NEW sign-up sheets for the upcoming directory photo shoot are in the Narthex. Please sign-up for a slot on Wednesday October 12 or Thursday October 13. Our block of time is from 2:00-9:20 pm both days. Please sign up to make our directory a success and representative of the parish.

10th Anniversary of September 11, 2001 – A thanks to all who attended and helped make the first community service in memory of the attacks of September 11, 2001 will last Sunday such a success. We had 61 people in attendance at the Fire Department. I offer a special thanks to those who helped publicize the event.

This Sunday’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in unison. We will use a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber. The Psalm will be set to the Hymn 680, O God our help in ages past (St. Anne’s), from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

Parish Inventory - In the coming weeks we will take a day to have a parish work day to conduct a physical inventory of the church spaces. We hope to do a physical inventory on a Saturday morning or Sunday after church before the end of October. Many hands will make light work.

Vestry - Have you ever wondered about the governance of this church and your part in its governance? We will have 2 people complete their term on the Vestry at the end of the year and need to have at least 4 volunteers to fill their slots. If you are interested or have questions about the requirements contact the Rector or one of the Wardens.

“Women’s” Bible Study – The “Women’s” Bible Study group will be starting on Wednesday, October 5th. The group will meet at Margaret Tankovich’s home at 6:30 pm for a potluck. The first class will be Wednesday, October 12th, 10:00 – 11:30 am in the Parish Hall. Contact Margaret for further information at 357-2168.

Lemonade on the Lawn – There is a sign-up sheet for Lemonade on the Lawn in the Narthex. Please sign-up for an upcoming Sunday. There is powdered lemonade and iced tea available in the Kitchen. The goodies can be as extravagant or simple as you would like – you need not be a gourmet chef to volunteer, simply desire to assist the fellowship efforts at the church.

Formation Classes – Will be continuing through the summer. This week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading: Exodus 16:2-15, Bread from Heaven. All are invited to join us in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:15. Next week we will cover Exodus 17:1-7, Water from the Rock.

Our Core Values – At St. John’s we will practice Traditional and Authentic Worship. We value our faith tradition and its form of worship; as an indicator of our authentic faith in God. (Romans 12:1-2, Proverbs 22:6, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, Deuteronomy 6:6-7) Therefore we will continue to practice corporate and personal worship as understood and handed down in the Anglican and Episcopal traditions.

Thought for the week – Word: The final word belongs to God, and that word, like the very first word that God speaks, is light. That word is life. That word is love. That word is resurrection. That word is hope.

-Br. Kevin Hackett, SSJE
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Upcoming Events:
Sat. Sep. 24th        Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department fall Fish Fry
Sun. Sep. 25th        Mutual Ministry Review, Rector, Vestry, Canon Carolyn Black 12:00 – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Wed. Sep. 28th      Set-up for Yard Sale
Thu. Sep. 29th        Set-up for Yard Sale
Fri. Sep. 30th         Set-up for Yard Sale
Sat. Oct. 1st           Multi-family Yard Sale – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (sponsored by Outreach)
Wed. Oct. 5th        “Women’s” Book Study potluck – 6:30 pm (Tankovich’s)
Sat. Oct. 8th          Bishop’s Days East – Good Shepherd Church, Norfolk
Mon. Oct. 10th       Columbus Day - Office closed
Wed. Oct. 12th       “Women’s” Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish House)
                               Olan Mills Photographs – 2:00 – 9:20 pm (Parish House)
Thu. Oct. 13th       Olan Mills Photographs – 2:00 – 9:20 pm (Parish House)
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PASTORAL CARE
Pray for Katherine, our presiding bishop; Holly, our bishop; and Les our priest.

St. John’s shut-ins, Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Theresa, Toni, Virginia, Tom, Lon, Luann, David, Evan, Donna and her family, Kevin, Peg, and Marie.

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan and Susan; Jonathon, David, and Patrick
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Bernice
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Old Dominion University Canterbury Club & Chaplain; St. James', Boydton; St. Michael's, Bon Air.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Leopold Frade of Southeast Florida; The Rt. Rev. Dabney T Smith of Southwest Florida

Flowers: To the Glory of God and in the honor of our mothers Lucy Mar McCarthy and Zelda Wittenauer by Marcella and Don.

Birthdays in September
Bette 03                                    Carroll 11
Dane 13                                    Roger 14
Bob 15                                      Elizabeth 16
Allen 17

Anniversaries in September
Charles & Lynn 01                     Clare & Steve 03
G. Lee & Perk 11

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,
Please call Father Ferguson.
Cell:  757-418-0063

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Our Facebook page:
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sermon and Remembrance on September 11, 2011

This week was a nice week after all the fun from weeks ago – Irene and the cleanup from the downed trees. We had a nice turnout as we reflected on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist’s attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. We actually had two services today – the main service at St. John’s this morning and a moving community celebration of remembrance at the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department. The community celebration included people from Wesley Chapel, Oakland Christian Church, Suffolk Christian Church, two Ruritan groups, the Greater Chuckatuck Historical Society, and (of course) the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad. We had a good turn out this evening, a blessing because it was the first time the service was held, and there were many comments about the remembrance.

There was a lot of food for thought in our lessons and for the day. Today’s sermon was entitled “Let God be the judge.” Peace,

Les+
http://chirb.it/k8dceP

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Sermon for Sunday September 4, 2011 - Pentecost 12 A


What a difference a week makes. Last week we canceled service because of hurricane Irene; this week we had nice weather and a good turn out. We did have a busy week that was spent cleaning up the yards - both ours and Mr. Winslow's place from the aftereffects of the hurricane. All our efforts paid off today because we had visitors. It was nice to haul out ~15 cubic yards of brush.

I hope you are challenged by today’s sermon which is entitled “Of hurricanes, reunions, and the Passover.” 

Peace,
Les+
http://chirb.it/4DzcOq