St. John's e-News for Sunday, January 1, 2012 - Holy Name and Christmas Lessons and Carols

“De-Greening” the Church – Following service today we will be taking down the greens from the church. Please help us take down our wonderful decorations. If you are not planning on attending service but would like your poinsettia please let the office, the Rector, or Lynn know and we’ll save one aside for you.

Welcome to Chuckatuck – Please join me in welcoming Rev. Don General, Jr. to Chuckatuck. He has been called to serve as Pastor at the Temple of Deliverance on Wren Road. He “expressed his passion for Ecumenical relationships and Kingdom building. He believes that it is very important for our people to see all of us come together to worship the God that we serve.” Please welcome him when you see him and offer him a fine, St. John’s welcome.

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January 1, 2012, 11:00 am Service of Lessons and Carols and Holy Name
Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols
First Lesson: Genesis 3:1-15                  Fred
Second Lesson: Isaiah 7:10-15              Marcella
Third Lesson: Luke 1:5-25                      Mary-Margaret
Fourth Lesson: Luke 1:26-58                  Terry
Fifth Lesson: Luke 1:57-80                      Nick
Sixth Lesson: Luke 2:1-20                       Marlene
Seventh Lesson: Luke 2:21-36               Leone
Eighth Lesson: John 1:1-18                    Kathy

Lay Participants for January 1, 2012 - 11:00 am service

Acolyte:  Terry
Ushers:  Marcella and Gary
Nursery Attendant:  None
Nursery Assistant:  None

Refreshments:  The Holy Innocents

Sermon for December 24: http://chirb.it/42Hzbh

Sermon for December 25: http://chirb.it/ntGzps
______________________________________________________________
Annual meeting – We will have our annual meeting Sunday January 15 in the sanctuary following worship. All are invited to receive the state of the Parish announcement and share in conversation with the Rector and the Vestry. There will be a potluck immediately following the meeting in the Parish Hall.

Bishop’s Visitation – The Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith will conduct his first official Visitation since his consecration as our Diocesan Bishop. While not essential this is an opportunity for Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception in the Episcopal Church. For more information about these rites and being Confirmed or Received in May contact the Rector.

Lay Participants – We would like to thank those who volunteer to assist during worship as Nursery Assistant, 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.

Olan Mills Update – Our materials have been received by Olan Mills and they hope to have the rough layout to us by January 10. We will determine when they will contact the parishioners to identify which picture they would like in the directory. Thank you for your patience.

Budget Year 2012 $$ Pledge Drive $$ – The Vestry would like to thank all who have made pledges to the church of their time, talent, and treasure. To date we have received 26 pledges (4 more than last year) amounting to almost $72,000. We rejoice in the sacrificial giving this demonstrates and the commitment to the God’s work through the ministry of St. John’s this will facilitate.

          If you have not turned in your pledge we welcome your pledge at any time. You can expect to receive a more detailed financial statement at the Annual meeting in mid-January.

“Women’s” Book Study - Our next book study will be on the book Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference by The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu and The Rev. Mpho Tutu. If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret.

Formation Classes – Our next class will be held on January 8 at 9:15-10:15 am. We will discuss our Old Testament reading Genesis 1:1-5, “Six Days of Creation and the Sabbath.” All are invited to join us for class.

Coats for the Needy – St. James of Portsmouth distributes coats for the needy on the 1^st Saturday in December, January, and February.  For more information contact the Rector.

Thought for the week – Love: The invitation from God is always to come home. To know again just how much God loves you and then to take the risk every day to say ‘Lord, here am I,’ I am yours. I offer my life to you this day. Use me in your service.

-Br. Geoffrey Tristram, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
Sun. Jan. 1^st           Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols – 11:00 am (Sanctuary)
                             De-greening of the Church (following worship)
Mon. Jan. 9^th          Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Jan. 15^th         Annual Meeting – following service
Mon. Jan. 16^th        Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday (office closed)
                             Junto Women’s Group meeting
                             Vestry planning session – Parish Hall (time to be determined)
Thu. Jan. 19^th         Clergy Fresh Start retreat – 10 am – 3:30 pm (Camp Chanco)
Wed. Jan. 25^th       Convocation IV Pre-Council meeting
Wed. Feb. 8^th        Garden Club – evening (Parish Hall)
Fri. Feb. 10^th          Annual Council begins – Williamsburg Lodge (through Feb. 11^th)
Mon. Feb. 13^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Tue. Feb. 21^st        Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Wed. Feb. 22^nd      Ash Wednesday
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
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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, Virginia, Lon, Luann, David, Evan, Kevin, Peg, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Jim Parker, Lisa Flynn, Terri and Family, Marvin, Bev, Denise, and Jaelyn.

Thanksgiving: Bob’s successful surgery; Patrick’s return from overseas

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Susan, and Jonathon

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Beth and John
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Emmanuel, Halifax; Emmanuel, Hampton; Mrs. L. Lilo Croft; St. Cyprian's, Hampton.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia, The Most Rev. William Brown Turei – Pihopa o Aotearora and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia.

Birthdays in January

Ashley 1                     Garrett 2
Randy 6                      Landy 14
Arthur 15                    Lynn 15
Marlene 17                 Anne 20
Linda 21

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,

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

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

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

Sermons for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2011

Merry Christmas to all! Our Advent journey has come to an end and we had a wonderful celebration of Carols and a Festive Eucharist Christmas Eve with nearly 40 in church. This morning we had a smaller attendance but still had a festive day. It has been good to celebrate with family and friends with visitors at each service to help make them both special. The sermons are entitled “Our Worship must include justice.” Merry Christmas!

Les+

Christmas Eve

http://chirb.it/42Hzbh

Christmas Day

http://chirb.it/ntGzps

Holiday Services - 2011/2012

We will be have a few modifications to our service schedule over the coming 10 days. we will have a two part Christmas Eve service and a service on Christmas Day. There will not be nursery care on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve
9:00 pm    Carol Sing
9:30 pm    Festive Eucharist celebrating the Navitivy of Our Lord

Christmas Day
11:00 am   Festive Eucharist celebrating the Nativity of Our Lord

We will also have service on New Year's Day when we celebrate Christmas Lessons and Carols. As with Christmas, there will not be nursery care but, as always, children are welcome during service - especially since we will be singing more Christmas Carols and hearing the readings of Christmas.

The Naming of the Lord (January 1)
11:00 am   Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols

Come join us for worship and celebration.

Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

St. John's e-News for Sunday, December 25, 2011 - The Nativity of Our Lord

Greening the Church – Thank you to all who helped green the church on or before December 18. You have helped make the Sanctuary more festive for the holiday season services.

NEW CRITTERS! – Please be aware that 2 BROWN RECLUSE spiders were found in the Sanctuary during the greening of the church. If you see a spider and are unsure of the type please give the spider a wide berth. If you would like to know what a Brown Recluse looks like click this link: http://www.haltpestcontrol.com/images/bugs/brown-recluse-spiders.jpg.

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December 24, 2011, 9:30 pm Festive Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Nativity of our Lord I
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14
The Gospel: Luke 2:1-20

Lay Participants for December 24, 2011 - 9:30 pm service

Chalicist:  Mary-Margaret
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Anne and Bert
Nursery Attendant:  None
Nursery Assistant:  None

Refreshments:  None

Sermon for December 18: http://chirb.it/Jh4KNa

December 25, 2011, 11:00 am Festive Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Nativity of our Lord II
First Lesson: Isaiah 62:6-12
Psalm 97
Second Lesson: Titus 3:4-7
The Gospel: Luke 2:1-20

Lay Participants for December 25, 2011 - 11:00 am service

Chalicist:  Jim
Lector:  Jim
Prayers:  To Be Determined
Ushers:  Nick and Tina
Nursery Attendant:  None
Nursery Assistant:  None

Refreshments:  None

______________________________________________________________
Bishop’s Visitation – The Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith will conduct his first official Visitation since his consecration as our Diocesan Bishop. While not essential this is an opportunity for Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception in the Episcopal Church. For more information about these rites and being Confirmed or Received in May contact the Rector.

Upcoming Psalms – 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. We will sing Psalm 96 in unison on Christmas Eve and Psalm 97 in unison on Christmas Day. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 76, On Jordan’s bank (Winchester New) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

Lay Participants – We would like to thank those who volunteer to assist during worship as Nursery Assistant, 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.

Olan Mills Update – The Directory Coordinator has completed the layout for the introductory portion of the directory and has shipped the information to Olan Mills. Hopefully, parishioners who had pictures taken will be contacted to select their photos soon. We are sorry for the delay.

Budget Year 2012 $$ Pledge Drive $$ – The Vestry would like to thank all who have made pledges to the church of their time, talent, and treasure. To date we have received 26 pledges (4 more than last year) amounting to almost $72,000. We rejoice in the sacrificial giving this demonstrates and the commitment to the God’s work through the ministry of St. John’s this will facilitate.

          If you have not turned in your pledge we welcome your pledge at any time. You can expect to receive a more detailed financial statement at the Annual meeting in mid-January.

“Women’s” Book Study - Our next book study will be on the book Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference by The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu and The Rev. Mpho Tutu. If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret.

Formation Classes – We will take a break from formation classes until January 8.

Coats for the Needy – St. James of Portsmouth distributes coats for the needy on the 1^st Saturday in December, January, and February.  For more information contact the Rector.

Thought for the week – Acceptance: I find accepting things that cannot be changed to be far easier said than done, but I also know it is the only way. It is a way of saying yes to your life, yes in all its fullness, frustrations, and ambiguity.

-Br. Kevin Hackett, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
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)
Sun. Jan. 1^st           Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols – 11:00 am (Sanctuary)
Mon. Jan. 9^th          Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Jan. 15^th         Annual Meeting – following service
Wed. Jan. 25^th       Convocation IV Pre-Council meeting
Fri. Feb. 10^th          Annual Council begins – Williamsburg Lodge (through Feb. 11^th)
Tue. Feb. 21^st         Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Wed. Feb. 22^nd       Ash Wednesday
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
____________________________________________________________
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.

Thanksgiving: Jonathon’s safe return from overseas.

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Susan, and Jonathon

Serving Overseas: David and Patrick
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Leone

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Christ Church of Halifax; Mrs. Sue Bercaw; St. John’s of Halifax.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Most Rev. John Sentamu Archbishop of York; The Rt. Rev. Martyn Jarrett, York - Beverley - (York, England); The Rt. Rev. Richard Frith, York - Hull; The Rt. Rev. Martin Wallace, York – Selby; The Rt. Rev. Martin Warner, York - Whitby - (York, England).

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        Jim 19
Will 28           Kate 29
Susan 30         Don 30

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

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

Follow 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 December 18, 2011 - 4 Advent

Today marked the first anniversary of my Ordination as a priest. This past week also marked my first anniversary at St. John’s. It has been a truly blessed year and I continue to learn about the ministry in Chuckatuck and in Northern Suffolk. It looks like it will be a truly blessed year to come.

Our Advent preparations are slowly coming to a close. We greened the church after church this morning; Don and I have the Christmas Eve and Day bulletins roughed out; and the end of the calendar year approaches. Today we shifted gears a little and looked at Mary, David, and Nathan and how we emulate their confidence. Today’s sermon “God blesses our confidence in our relationship with ‘Him’.”

I pray you have a great remainder of Advent.

Les+

http://chirb.it/Jh4KNa

St. John's e-News for Sunday, December 18, 2011 - 4 Advent

Greening the Church – We will begin our Christmas Greening on Friday Dec. 16 at 10:00 when Ann and John Dickinson will assist members in assembling the Fruit Board for the front door of the church. We need people to come and learn how to assemble the board so we can continue this tradition into the future without Ann and John’s assistance. The Sanctuary will be greened immediately following the service this Sunday. Everyone is welcome to help and lunch will be provided.           If you have any greens, especially Holly with red berries, to help beautify the church please bring them by. For more information please contact Lynn Rose.

Christmas Eve Services – 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.

Parish House Carpet – The Vestry has identified two patterns of carpet to choose from to replace the carpet in the Parish House. The decision between the two options needs to be made this coming Sunday so we can finally move ahead with Cherry Carpet’s installation of the new carpet. If you want to help select between the two proposals stop by the Parish Hall before or after the service to choose between the two samples.
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December 18, 2011, 10:30 am Healing Litany and Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday of Advent
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26
Second Lesson: Romans 16:25-27
The Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Lay Participants for December 18, 2011 - 10:30 am service

Chalicist:  Leone Vigil
Lector:  Bernice Rogers
Prayers:  Terry Jones-Brady
Ushers:  Gary Davidson and Marcella Wittenauer
Nursery Attendant:  Taylor Elliot
Nursery Assistant:  Laura Smith

Refreshments:  Marcella Wittenauer and the Parish Family

Sermon for December 11: http://chirb.it/Ih6CME

Sermon for December 11 at Lake Prince Woods: http://chirb.it/xrqyHw
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Lay Participants – We would like to thank those who volunteer to assist during worship as Nursery Assistant, 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.

Christmas Carol Sing – We will have a carol sing for 30 minutes on Christmas Eve before the service. If you have a favorite carol you would like to sing, let Roger or the Rector know.

Vestry Election – Congratulations to Mr. Joe Fisher and Mr. Fred Stanton who were elected by acclamation to the Vestry on December 11 by the congregation. They will fill the slots vacated by Mr. Jim Tankovich and Mr. David Gardner at the end of 2011.

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. We will sing Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 193 “That Easter day with joy was bright” (Puer Nobis) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found in a bulletin insert.

Christmas Day and New Years Day Services – We will have worship services on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The service will be delayed 30 minutes until 11:00 am. On New Year’s Day there will be no Nursery Care but we WILL be observing Christmas Lessons and Carols so the children are more than welcome to join us in the Sanctuary. Please join us for one or both the offerings on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Budget Year 2012 $$ Pledge Drive $$ – The Vestry would like to thank all who have made pledges to the church of their time, talent, and treasure. To date we have received 25 pledges (3 more than last year) amounting to just over $69,000. We rejoice in the sacrificial giving this demonstrates and the commitment to the God’s work through the ministry of St. John’s this will facilitate.

          If you have not turned in your pledge we welcome your pledge at any time. You can expect to receive a more detailed financial statement at the Annual meeting in mid-January.

“Women’s” Book Study - Our next book study will be on the book Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference by The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu and The Rev. Mpho Tutu. If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret Tankovich.

Formation Classes – This week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, “God’s Covenant with David.” All are invited to join us in the Parish Hall from 9:15-10:15. We will take a break from formation classes until January 8.

Coats for the Needy – St. James of Portsmouth distributes coats for the needy on the 1^st Saturday in December, January, and February.  For more information contact the Rector.

Thought for the week – Welcome: God comes to us in those seeking our help. We sometimes welcome God in the perfect stranger, and sometimes in someone we know well, a family member or friend. When we open our hands this way to others we discover our own need as well. In doing so all are satisfied.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
Fri. Dec. 16^th         Assembling the “Fruit Board” for the Greening of the Church
                             10:00 am (Addition and HOT item)
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)
Sun. Jan. 1^st           Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols – 11:00 am (Sanctuary)
Mon. Jan. 9^th          Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Jan 15^th          Annual Meeting – 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: Shawn & Lizzie
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Emmanuel of Glenmore; The Rev. Jess Stribling, Jr.; The Rev. Theodore H. Bailey, III; Trinity of Gretna.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. John Smylie Diocese of Wyoming.

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             Jim 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