St. John's e-News for Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 2 Advent

2012 Funding Proposal – The Vestry and Rector has submitted a proposal explaining the need for $103,500 for calendar year 2012. This is only a $2,000 increase over our projected spending for calendar year 2011. Please take a look at the letter from the Vestry and fill in your pledge card for the coming year.

Winter Quiet Day – The clergy from Convocation IV will be holding their Clericus in December at St. John’s. During this meeting the clergy will participate in a Quiet Day led by the Rev. Canon Michael Spear-Jones. The quiet day will be held Tuesday December 6 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Please help us observe Holy Silence on this day.

          In addition, the Rector is looking for a couple benches to place in the church yard in case the weather is cooperative and participants desire to spend time outside.

Lay Participants – We would like to thank those who volunteer to assist during worship as Altar Guild, Chalicist, Reader, Lector, and Usher. We would like to have a few more volunteers to assist on Sundays in one of these capacities. The Chalicist is the only person who requires special but simple training. We will provide an overview of the positions in coming weeks but if you have any questions about the duties see one of our current volunteers or the Rector.

______________________________________________________________

December 4, 2011, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Second Sunday of Advent
First Lesson: Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
Second Lesson: 2 Peter 3:8-15a
The Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

Lay Participants for December 4, 2011 - 10:30 am service

Chalicist:  Leone
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Marcella and Gary
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments:  Parish Advent Potluck

Sermon for November 27:  http://chirb.it/bNKxNC

______________________________________________________________
Our Vision – We will continue to develop our awareness regarding our denominational and our Anglican heritage striving for excellence in worship, outreach, and fellowship.

New Music – We will introduce the hymn “People, look East” (see insert) after the service during the next two weeks in preparation for its use during the service.  Please leave the insert in the pew or the Narthex.

Vestry Election – (1) we need at least one more volunteer to stand for election to the Vestry beginning next year.  (2) Elections will be held December 11^th following the service.

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. Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 will be set to Hymn 43, All praise to thee (Eighth Tune) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Day Services – During the Liturgy Team meeting it was decided that our Christmas Eve festivities would begin at 9:00 pm. We will have 30 minutes of Carol singing followed by the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord beginning at 9:30 pm. We will also celebrate Holy Eucharist the following morning (Sunday) beginning at 11:00 am (note the delayed start time). Please join us for one or both the offerings on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

          We will have service the following Sunday, New Years Day at 11:00 am. On New Year’s Day we will celebrate with Christmas Lessons and Carols. There will be 8 readings and a like number of Carols. Please come and enjoy this celebration of the New Year.

Budget Year 2012 $$ Pledge Drive $$ – Thoughts about pledging: (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) your 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.

 “Women’s” Book Study - The “Women’s” Book study will be studying The Grand Weaver by Dr. Ravi Zacharias this year. The study is not limited to women alone; the Rector does participate most weeks. The next meeting will be Wednesday December 7^th from 10:00-11:30 am in the Parish Hall. We will discuss “Your Worship Matters; Questions 20, 21, 22, and 23.”

Formation Classes – This week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading: Isaiah 40:1-11, “God’s People are Comforted”. All are invited to join us in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:15. Next week we will cover Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, “The Good News of Deliverance.”

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.

Thought for the week – Thanksgiving: If gratitude is the fullness of our humanity, and if we are made in the image and likeness of God, gratitude itself must have its origins in the heart of God. Just as our love has its source in the being of God, so must our gratitude. Our feeble thanksgiving must be but a pale reflection of something infinitely richer and more powerful in the being of God.

-Br. Mark Brown, SSJE

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Dec. 1^st          "New Chapter: Your Church in God's Unfolding Story"
                             conference – Williamsburg VA (through Sat. Dec. 3^rd)
Sat. Dec. 3^rd         Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation book launching party
                             Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 4^th         Parish Advent Potluck – following the service (Parish Hall)
                             Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation book launching party
                             Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Tue. Dec. 6^th            Convocation IV Clericus Quiet Day – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Church
                             and Parish House)
Sat. Dec 10^th         Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Dec. 11^th         Pledge cards due
                             Lake Prince Woods Vespers (Rector preaching) – 4:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 12^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Sun. Dec. 18^th        Blessing of the pledges
                             Greening of the Church – following service
Sat. Dec. 24^th        Christmas Carol Sing – 9:00 pm (Sanctuary)
                             Festive Eucharist – 9:30 pm (Sanctuary)
Sun. Dec. 25^th        Holy Eucharist – 11:00 am (Sanctuary)
____________________________________________________________
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, Virginia, Lon, Luann, David, Evan, Kevin, Peg, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Jim, Lisa, Terri and Family, Marvin, Bev, Denise, and Jaelyn.

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan and Susan; Jonathon, David, and Patrick

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Margaret & Jim

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Christ Church, Eastville; Johns Memorial, Farmville; St. James', Emporia.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Michael Milliken of Western Kansas.

Anniversaries in December

Don & Marcella 17           Shannon & Dotty 20
John & Elizabeth 28          Steven & Susan 30

Birthdays in December

Marcella 2             Gary 8
Les 8                      John 14
Burr 18                  Nansi 18
Kevin 19               Will 28
Kate 29                  Susan 30
Don 30

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,

Please call Father Ferguson.
Home:  757-484-8409

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Like us on our Facebook page:

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

Christian education for Sunday December 4, 2011; 2nd Sunday of Advent; Isaiah 40:1-11, God's People are Comforted

Background: The prophetic voice in Isaiah moves from oracles of judgment to salvation. The book was most likely written by a series of prophetic voices over an extended period of time. Today’s passage can be placed at the beginning of the “Second Isaiah” section. Second Isaiah presupposes Israel still in Babylon towards the end of the exile. Second Isaiah is said to be more concerned with the promise of deliverance not the threat of judgment.

Theme: Second Isaiah begins with oracles of consolation to Israel in exile. This section focuses on the joyous return of Israel to its homeland. Today’s passage is one of the better known passages from Isaiah as it serves as the foundation of a portion of Handel’s Messiah. Today’s selection attempts to illuminate the heavenly conversation between God and his angels.

Questions to Ponder

* How does the setting of today’s lesson, as described in the theme, color your understanding of this passage?
* In verse 40:1, can you identify the principals? Who is God speaking (1) to and (2) about? Does it matter who they are?
* What other passages in the Bible is the phrase “…my people, says your God.” reminiscent of? Why might this passage be like those passages?
* What sins are the Israelites paying for in verse 40:2?
* What “term” is the heavenly being speaking about in verse 40:2? How might this punishment be considered a “double” penalty for Israel’s sins?
* Verse 40:3 gets alternate phrasing in the four gospels. Some versions place the colon after “out” and others after “wilderness.” Would the alternate placements effect our interpretation of the passage? Why or why not?
* In verse 40:3, what “way in the wilderness” might the prophet be recounting?
* In verses 40:3-5, how might these verses be a reinterpretation of an older text? Where might the “highway for our God” be leading from and to? What might the “glory of the Lord” be referring to and why would that be important to Israel and the other nations in the Ancient Near East?
* In verse 40:6, whose voice says “Cry out!”? Likewise, who might be the being who responds, “What shall I cry?”? Is it important who provides each portion of the call and response?
* What assurance might be found by the Israelites in verses 40:6-8?
* Why might the sheep/shepherd image reappear in the message of assurance to the Israelites in exile?
* What is the message of hope and preparation for Israel as presented by Isaiah?
* What is the application of this passage for us in advent and in our life and ministry in the world today?

Sermon for Sunday November 27, 2011 - 1 Advent

Happy New Year! We had another fantastic day in Suffolk. The weather helped set the stage for a fantastic worship service where we were able to provide hospitality to two visitors who had joined us from New York and Texas. They helped us have an especially joyful first Sunday in Advent. As we began our liturgical year we began our journey looking for the light of Christ that has come and will come again at Christmas. We reflected on the past Thanksgiving Service and where that gives us the light of hope for our future and the future of the community. Today’s sermon was entitled “the miraculous light of Christ lighting our path.” May you all have many blessings in your Advent journey.

Les+

http://chirb.it/bNKxNC

St. John's e-News for Sunday, November 20, 2011 - 1 Advent

2012 Funding Proposal – The Vestry and Rector has submitted a proposal explaining the need for $103,500 for calendar year 2012. This is only a $2,000 increase over our projected spending for calendar year 2011. Please take a look at the letter from the Vestry and fill in your pledge card for the coming year.
Community Thanksgiving Day Service – Thank you to all who helped make our community service for Thanksgiving a success. We share worship space with 36 residents this past Tuesday with representatives from Diamond Grove Baptist, Oakland Christian, Wesley Chapel Methodist, and Whitehead’s Grove Baptist. We were truly blessed to have such a diverse congregation and we collected $157 for the Suffolk Meals-on-Wheels program.

Lay Participants – We would like to thank those who volunteer to assist during worship as Altar Guild, Chalicist, Reader, Lector, and Usher. We would like to have a few more volunteers to assist on Sundays in one of these capacities. The Chalicist is the only person who requires special but simple training. We will provide an overview of the positions in coming weeks but if you have any questions about the duties see one of our current volunteers or the Rector.
______________________________________________________________
November 27, 2011, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the First Sunday of Advent
First Lesson: Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
The Gospel: Mark 13:24-37

Lay Participants for November 27, 2011 - 10:30 am service
Chalicist: Terry
Lector: Fred
Prayers: Marlene
Ushers: David and Lynn
Nursery Attendant: Taylor
Nursery Assistant: Alice

Refreshments: Bernice

Sermon for November 20: http://chirb.it/gmqwDp
______________________________________________________________

Our Vision – We will be conscientious stewards of our facility, time, talent, and treasure to effectively be instruments of God’s providence.

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. Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 will be set to Hymn 609, Where cross the crowded ways (Gardiner) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Day Services – During the Liturgy Team meeting it was decided that our Christmas Eve festivities would begin at 9:00 pm. We will have 30 minutes of Carol singing followed by the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord beginning at 9:30 pm. We will also celebrate Holy Eucharist the following morning (Sunday) beginning at 11:00 am (note the delayed start time). Please join us for one or both the offerings on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
    We will have service the following Sunday, New Years Day at 11:00 am. On New Year’s Day we will celebrate with Christmas Lessons and Carols. There will be 8 readings and a like number of Carols. Please come and enjoy this celebration of the New Year.

Budget Year 2012 $$ Pledge Drive $$ – Thoughts about pledging: (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) your 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.

Winter Quiet Day – The clergy from Convocation IV will be holding their Clericus in December at St. John’s. During this meeting the clergy will participate in a Quiet Day led by the Rev. Canon Michael Spear-Jones. The quiet day will be held Tuesday December 6 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Please help us observe Holy Silence on this day.
    In addition, the Rector is looking for a couple benches to place in the church yard in case the weather is cooperative and participants desire to spend time outside.

“Women’s” Book Study - The “Women’s” Book study will be studying The Grand Weaver by Dr. Ravi Zacharias this year. The study is not limited to women alone; the Rector does participate most weeks. The next meeting will be Wednesday November 30th from 10:00-11:30 am in the Parish Hall. We will discuss “Your Will Matters; Questions 17, 18, and 19.”

Formation Classes – This week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading: Isaiah 64:1-9, “A Prayer of Penitence”. All are invited to join us in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:15. Next week we will cover Isaiah 40:1-11, “God’s People are Comforted”.

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.

Thought for the week – Heart: Our hearts rest in Jesus, even in the midst of very busy lives our heart of hearts rests in him. Even when we’re saying things Jesus wouldn’t say; even when we’re thinking or feeling things Jesus wouldn’t think or feel—even then our heart of hearts rests in him.
-Br. Mark Brown, SSJE
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Dec. 1st "New Chapter: Your Church in God's Unfolding Story" conference – Williamsburg VA (through Dec. 3rd)
Sun. Dec. 4th     Parish Advent Potluck – following the service (Parish Hall)
Tue. Dec. 6th     Convocation IV Clericus Quiet Day – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Church and Parish House)
Sun. Dec. 11th   Pledge cards due
                           Lake Prince Woods Vespers (Rector preaching) – 4:00 pm
Mon. Dec. 12th  Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Sun. Dec. 18th   Blessing of the pledges
                           Greening of the Church – following service
____________________________________________________________
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, Virginia, Lon, Luann, David, Evan, Kevin, Peg, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Jim, Lisa, Terri and Family, Marvin, Bev, Denise, and Jaelyn.

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan and Susan; Jonathon, David, and Patrick
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Nansi & Zollie
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Calvary, Dinwiddie; Grace, Drakes Branch; The Rev. Alice & Joe Davis.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Thomas John Brown of Wellington, New Zealand & Polynesia.

Birthdays in November 
Bev 03        Dianne 04
Doug 11      Eddie 13
Steven 16   Kathy 28
Laura 28      Dotty 29

Anniversaries in December
Don & Marcella 17     Shannon & Dotty 20
John & Elizabeth 28   Steven & Susan 30

Birthdays in December
Marcella 2     Gary 8
Les 8             John 14
Burr 18          Nansi 18
Kevin 19        Will 28
Kate 29         Susan 30
Don 30

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,
Please call Father Ferguson.
Home: 757-484-8409

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

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

Sermon for Sunday 11/20/2011 - The Last Sunday after Pentecost, Christ the King Sunday

It was a big day for us today: we have arrived at the end of Year A in the Lectionary; we distributed pledge cards for 2012 to those present and we will mail them to those not here today starting tomorrow. We had a long discussion about our church’s growth and how we tell our story to help people see the St. John’s of today; blended with the true nature of St. John’s. Today’s sermon went well and is appended; it is entitled “What is the hope God is calling us to?” Your comments are appreciated.

Les+

http://chirb.it/gmqwDp

St. John's e-News for Sunday, November 20, 2011 - Christ the King Sunday

2012 Funding Proposal – The Vestry and Rector will present the funding proposal to support St. John’s mission and ministry in Suffolk this Sunday following worship. The presentation will not simply be a request for money but a recap of the highlights of 2011. Please come and hear the presentation regarding the coming year’s budget.

Service Music – Those hymns preceded by “S” (the Sanctus and Fraction Anthem) are located in the front part of the hymnal.

______________________________________________________________
November 20, 2011, 10:30 am Healing Liturgy and Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Last Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 29)
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Psalm 100
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23
The Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Lay Participants for November 20, 2011 - 10:30 am service

Chalicist:  Jim
Lector:  Terry
Prayers:  Bernice
Ushers:  Nick and Tina
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  Laura

Refreshments:  No one has signed up

Sermon for November 13:  http://chirb.it/dHx15s

______________________________________________________________
Our Mission and Vision – At St. John’s we will work together; as members of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion in Suffolk, Virginia; by capitalizing on our spiritual and community heritage; to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.
          Vision As we attempt to achieve our mission we will: Participate in the prayerful development of the mutual ministry of the clergy and laity to equip them for carrying out God’s work in the world.

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. Psalm 100 will be set to Hymn 212 Awake, arise (Richmond) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Day Services – During the Liturgy Team meeting it was decided that our Christmas Eve festivities would begin at 9:00 pm. We will have 30 minutes of Carol singing followed by the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord beginning at 9:30 pm. We will also celebrate Holy Eucharist the following morning (Sunday) beginning at 11:00 am (note the delayed start time). Please join us for one or both the offerings on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

          We will have service the following Sunday, New Years Day at 11:00 am. On New Year’s Day we will celebrate with Christmas Lessons and Carols. There will be 8 readings and a like number of Carols. Please come and enjoy this celebration of the New Year.

Budget Year 2012 $$ Pledge Drive $$ – Begins this Sunday. 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.

Winter Quiet Day – The clergy from Convocation IV will be holding their Clericus in December at St. John’s. During this meeting the clergy will participate in a Quiet Day led by the Rev. Canon Michael Spear-Jones. The quiet day will be held Tuesday December 6 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Please help us observe Holy Silence on this day.

          In addition, the Rector is looking for a couple benches to place in the church yard in case the weather is cooperative and participants desire to spend time outside.

“Women’s” Book Study - The “Women’s” Book study will be studying The Grand Weaver by Dr. Ravi Zacharias this year. The study is not limited to women alone; the Rector does participate most weeks. There will be no meeting on November 23rd and the next meeting will be Wednesday November 30th from 10:00-11:30 am in the Parish Hall. We will discuss “Your Will Matters; Questions 17, 18, and 19.”

Formation Classes – This week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24, God the true Shepherd. All are invited to join us in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:15. Next week we will cover Isaiah 64:1-9, “A Prayer of Penitence”.

Community Thanksgiving Day Service – This service will be held at St. John’s Tuesday, November 22 at 7:00 pm. The guest preacher will be Rev. Mark Burns and nearly all greater-Chuckatuck churches have pledged participation. We need two Lay Participants from St. John’s to serve as acolyte and usher. Ministers and parishioners from the other churches will participate in the other duties. An offering will be gathered and donated to the Suffolk Meals-on-Wheels program.

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.

Thought for the week – Love: Do you know that God cares for you? Do you know that there is nothing in all of heaven or on all the earth that can ever separate you from God’s love? Did you hear it? Nothing. Ever.

-Br. David Vryhof, SSJE
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Mon. Nov. 21st    Junto Women’s Group – 11:00 am -2:00 pm (Parish House)
Tue. Nov. 22nd    Greater Oakland/Chuckatuck Community Thanksgiving Service – St. John’s
Thu. Dec. 1st       "New Chapter: Your Church in God's Unfolding Story"
                             conference – Williamsburg VA (through Sat. Dec. 3rd)
Sun. Dec. 4th       Parish Advent Potluck – following the service (Parish Hall)
Tue. Dec. 6th       Convocation IV Clericus Quiet Day – 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (Church and Parish House)
____________________________________________________________
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, Virginia, Lon, Luann, David, Evan, Kevin, Peg, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Jim, Lisa, Terri and Family, Marvin, Millard, Bev, and Denise.

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan and Susan; Jonathon, David, and Patrick

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Joel & Robin
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Christ Church, Danville; Epiphany, Danville; November Weekend at St. Martin's, Williamsburg; The Rev. Barbara & Ronald Williams.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston of Virginia; The Rt. Rev. David Jones - Suffragan Bishop of Virginia; The Rt. Rev. Willam Klusmeyer of West Virginia.

Altar Flowers: To the glory of God and in memory of Heather D. Jones (November 16, 1969 - January 18, 1982) and Renate H. Brady (November 19, 1926 - April 29, 2011) by Kevin and Terry.

Birthdays in November

Bev 03                 Dianne 04
Doug 11               Eddie 13
Steven 16            Kathy 28
Laura 28              Dotty 29

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,

Please call Father Ferguson.
Cell:  757-418-0063

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Like us on our Facebook page:

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

Christian education for Sunday November 20, 2011; Last Sunday after Pentecost; Ezekiel 34:11-24; God the Good Shepherd

Nov 20, 2011
Last Sunday after Pentecost
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
God, the True Shepherd

Background: Ezekiel was of the priestly lineage and a prophet in Israel during the time of the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel may be viewed through the lens of the chaotic final years of Israel before its exile. This book was most likely written by one of the exiles to his fellow exiles in Babylon – a voice all too familiar with the pain of defeat and exile.

Theme: This passage describes the failure of the Israelite leadership during the exile. Ezekiel provides social and religious critique of the standing leaders of Israel and their actions with respect to the survival of the nation of Israel and the other exiles alone with them. This passage is part of a larger section in Ezekiel subtitled “Oracles of Hope and Restoration.”

Questions to Ponder:
* Please read Ezekiel 34:17-19
* Briefly, what is the setting for this passage? What are some of the things that have led Ezekiel to prophesy to Israel?
* Who are the shepherds who have allowed the sheep to be scattered? Who is the shepherd who assures they will gather the sheep to the fold?
* What might the “days of clouds and thick darkness” in verse 12 refer to? How might Ezekiel believe this was or had taken place?
* What land does the shepherd promise to restore the scattered remnant of Israel to? Why might that restoration be important for both Israel and the shepherd?
* What may be considered ironic about the nature of the flock gathered together by the shepherd?
* Why might the shepherd judge between the “fat and the lean” sheep; the sheep who had fouled the water with their feet so that others could not drink?
* In verse 21 who is the shepherd speaking to?
* Why might there be a connection between saving and judging the sheep (v. 22)?
* At whom might the Ezekiel’s judgment be directed? Might it simply be the leaders or may there be others who receive the prophetic accusation of the shepherd/prophet? If so, does the inclusion of others besides the leaders change the thrust of Ezekiel’s prophecy?
* What is ironic about the title of the “Davidic leader” who will lead Israel when they are restored? Is the difference substantial? Why might God make the distinction?
* How is this passage an “Oracle of Hope and Restoration?”
* What is the implication of this passage for us today? How is it important for us to use the prophetic voice and our role as leaders to God’s advantage as opposed to our own?