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.

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Reflection for Sunday Dec. 30, 2012

Blessings on this last Sunday in 2012 and the first Sunday after Christmas. It was a blessing to celebrate today because we baptized two new members of the body of Christ - Sarrem and Abbem. It was nice and moving to hear these young men (11 and 7) declare their faith in the saving grace of God in Christ. It was special to celebrate my first baptism in our Church - what a wonderful event for a couple wonderful children.

We looked at the readings from today and how we are being challenged to be a witness of God's love celebrated at Christmas, sharing our vision of Christ in ourselves and Christ among us. I invite your comments.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years,
Les+

http://chirb.it/MqOEc6

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Christian Formation for Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 - Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Thanksgiving and Restoration in Jerusalem

Dec 30, 2012, 1 Christmas
Isaiah 61:10—62:3
The Good News of Deliverance
The Vindication and Salvation of Zion
 
Background: This selection comes from a portion of the book of Isaiah commonly referred to as Third Isaiah which spans from chapter 56 to 66. Third Isaiah was most likely delivered in Jerusalem to a mixed community of residents and those who had returned from exile in Babylon; most likely in the period 538-515 BCE. Today’s reading may be best summed up as a proclamation of deliverance and the glorification of Zion.
 
Theme: In this selection, we hear Isaiah lead a song of celebration and thanksgiving for the deliverance from exile. We also hear of the renaming of Jerusalem to Zion at the end of the selection. There are hints of a Thanksgiving liturgy and an adoption celebration in this passage – possibly highlighting the return of Israel to its proper place as the chosen people of God; made anew in their sojourn in exile.
 
Questions to Ponder
* Briefly identify the setting for this passage: what is the social, political, and religious landscape in Israel that shapes this passage.
* Why might the prophet be singing a song of Thanksgiving to God in the first portion of this selection?
* What significance might the bride/bridegroom imagery when discussing Israel and God have for our interpretation of this passage?
* Why might the prophet use images of “the earth bringing forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what was sown in it to spring up…” to describe the pending actions of God in Jerusalem?
* What might the significance of renaming Jerusalem to Zion be? What other stories use the renaming motif in the Old Testament? How are those passages significant in the recounting of Israel’s history?
* Do you think this passage is a pronouncement of God’s action or a prayer to God petitioning God to act in the manner described? What difference would it make if this passage was a pronouncement? What difference would it make if this passage was a petition?
* Why might the prophet equate Jerusalem/Zion to a “crown of beauty” in God’s hand?
* Do you think the prophet is making these statements as a reminder to Israel or God? If these reminders are directed at God, why might the prophet endeavor to remind God of God’s promise? Would you think it would be more important to remind the people of God’s promise as opposed to reminding God of God’s promise?
* How might Israel interpret this prophetic oracle from Isaiah as good news, especially given their recent history and affliction in Babylon?
* How might this passage be instrumental in our understanding of Christmas and the Christmas season?
* What is the good news that this passage brings to us today?
* How might we share the message of good news in this passage with our community?

St. John's e-News for Sunday December 30, 2012

Celebration of Holy Baptism – This Sunday we will celebrate the baptism of two new members of Christ’s Church: Sarrem and Abbem will be welcomed into Christ’s family. Roger is Sarrem and Abbem’ sponsor and godfather. Please come and help us celebrate this festive occasion.
 
Thank you for all who helped at Christmas – Again this year, our Christmas celebration was made especially special by the love and labor of our entire parish family and friends.
______________________________________________________________
December 30, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Baptism and Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the First Sunday after Christmas
First Lesson:  Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm:  Psalm 147
Second Lesson:  Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7
Gospel:  John 1:1-18
 
Lay Participants for December 30, 2012 - 10:30 am service
Eucharistic Minister:  Jim
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Fred and Marlene
Nursery Attendant:  Taylor
Nursery Assistant:  Lynn
 
Refreshments:  Alice
 
Sermon for Sunday, Dec. 23: http://chirb.it/cqmbwf
 
Sermon for Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: http://chirb.it/ev7JzN
______________________________________________________________
Thank you – Roger and Kathy and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity in our Christmas presents. You all went above and beyond the call of duty and we are appreciative of all the effort you put into the gifts. Slowly and surely, we are working our way through the baskets.
 
2013 Pledge Drive – Thank you to all who have turned in your pledge cards; there is still time to return a pledge for 2013.
 
Christmas Greetings and Thank You Cards – There are a number of Christmas Greetings and Thank you cards in the Narthex. Please stop and take a look at the cards which are near the clock.
 
Our Thanksgivings – We are collecting tangible statements regarding our blessings and thanksgivings in the jar in the Narthex.
 
Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will take a break until after the New Year. The next meeting will be held January 16 and will include a luncheon. When the group returns it will pick up the study of “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy in the chapter on the Psalms. If you are interested please contact Margaret.
 
Formation ClassesThis coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 61:10—62:3, “The Good News of Deliverance” and “The Vindication and Salvation of Zion” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 60:1-6, “The Ingathering of the Dispersed.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.
 
Today’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 as we sing Psalm 147 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 615, “Thy kingdom come on bended knee (St. Flavian) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.
 
Thought for the week – Emmanuel: Christ brings his influence to bear in our lives not beaming down from somewhere in the Zodiac, not bearing down from the heights of Mt. Olympus, but emerging quietly from somewhere within us.
-Br. Mark Brown
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu.      * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Dec. 27th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room and Sanctuary)
Sat. Dec. 29th        * 5th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
Sun. Dec. 30th        * Baptism, Pastoral Care Sunday
Tue. Jan. 1st           * New Years Day – Office Closed
Thu. Jan. 3rd          * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 6th          * The Epiphany, Discretionary Sunday
Thu. Jan. 3rd          * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sat. Jan. 12th         * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
                             House)
Sun. Jan. 13th         * Annual Parish Meeting
Mon. Jan. 14th        * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Thu. Jan. 16th         * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 20th        * Rector Continuing Education – Supply Clergy
Mon. Jan. 21st        * G.F.W.C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
                             House)
____________________________________________________________
Community Church Websites:
New Community Christian Center                      http://www.nccfamily.us
Oakland Christian Church (UCC)                       http://www.oaklandchristianchurch.com/
Perfecting Saints Church of God in Christ       http://www.pscogic.com/
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church         http://www.wesleychapelchuckatuck.org
Ebenezer United Methodist Church                 http://ebumc.net/
Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS)     http://www.capsuffolk.com
 
PASTORAL CARE
Pray for Katherine, our presiding bishop; Holly, our bishop; and Les our priest.
 
Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Faye and family, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Steve, Morse, Carolyn, Jonathan, Charles, and Kathy.
 
Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan, Elizabeth, Dane, Leon, and Patrick
 
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Clare & Steve
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach; Mrs. Nanette Harmon.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Most Rev. Bolly Lapok, Archbishop of South East Asia & Bishop of Kuching; Assistant Bishop of Kuching - (South East Asia) The Rt. Rev. Aeries Sumping.
 
Birthdays in January
Landy 14         Arthur 15
Lynn 15           Marlene 17
Anne 20          Linda 21
 
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 Facebook:
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Reflection for Christmas Eve 2012

Merry Christmas! It was a wonderful and blessing celebration on Christmas Eve. We had visitors and loved ones who graced our celebration. We opened with a few Carols, two by the choir and the remainder with the congregation. We had a wonderful celebratory Eucharist and even had a sign at the end of the service when the door opened during the singing of Silent Night - and no one was there. I see that as our invitation to go into the world carrying the message of Christ's birth.

We looked at the meaning of Christ's birth through the eyes of the shepherds. As we reflected we realized that Christ was borh and came into the world to people where they needed to see Christ. That fact didn't just happen back then but happens each and every day in our hearts - Christ is born anew each and every day when we look and listen for Christ.

Merry Christmas,
Les+

http://chirb.it/ev7JzN

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Reflection and Sermon for Dec. 23, 2012 - Advent 4

Greetings on the last Sunday of Advent. There was a little nip in the air and a few new (at least to me) people in attendance. The "elder" couple had been members in the past and ther daughter, son-in-law, and grand daughter were in the back row. It's always nice to have little ones in church. As is our tradition, we greened the church following service and had a nice "pot luck" (provided by many) luncheon. The church now looks especally festive.

Today we looked at the message of Micah and how God is actve in the world now, not simply in the world of the future at Chrst's second comng. But we saw that tempered by Micah's statement that the true leader would come from the least in Israel. We also asked the question how we know when God is moving in our lives.

I invite your comments and likes.
Les+

http://chirb.it/cqmbwf

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

St. John's e-News for Sunday Dec. 23 and Monday Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Worship – Christmas Eve is this coming Monday. Our worship festivities will begin with Carols at 9:00 pm and a Festive Eucharist beginning at 9:30 pm.
 
Bp. Hollerith’s Christmas Message – Bishop Hollerith’s Christmas message can be found as a video (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDioSoVa) or hard copy (http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/BpChristmasMsg2012.pdf). Please take the time to hear or read Bp. Holly’s message.
 
Greening of the Church – We will green the Church immediately following Worship this Sunday, December 23rd.  Please bring greens if you have them to share.
______________________________________________________________
December 23, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
First Lesson:  Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm:  Canticle 15
Second Lesson:  Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel:  Luke 1:39-55
 
Lay Participants for December 23, 2012 - 10:30 am service
Eucharistic Minister:  Jim
Lector:  Suze
Prayers:  Jim
Ushers:  Gary and to be determined
Nursery Attendant:  Lillian
Nursery Assistant:  Leone
 
Refreshments:  Greening the Church
 
Sermon for Sunday, Dec. 16: http://chirb.it/tyLAt3
 
December 24, 2012, 9:30 pm Festive Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday in Advent
First Lesson:  Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm:  Psalm 96
Second Lesson:  Titus 2:11-14
Gospel:  Luke 2:1-20
 
Lay Participants for December 24, 2012 - 9:30 pm service
Eucharistic Minister:  Mary-Margaret
Lector:  Kathy
Prayers:  Jim
Ushers:  Nick and Tina
______________________________________________________________
Barbara – Barbara and David thank you for your prayers and well wishes. As Barbara develops her routine for her recovery she will give us more information about her needs and wishes for visitation and assistance. For the mean time she thanks you all for your concerns.
 
2013 Pledge Drive – Thank you to all who have turned in your pledge cards; there is still time to return a pledge for 2013.
 
Christmas Greetings and Thank You Cards – There are a number of Christmas Greetings and Thank you cards in the Narthex. Please stop and take a look at the cards which are near the clock.
 
Our Thanksgivings – We are collecting tangible statements regarding our blessings and thanksgivings in the jar in the Narthex.
 
Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will take a break until after the New Year. The next meeting will be held January 16 and will include a luncheon. When the group returns it will pick up the study of “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy in the chapter on the Psalms. If you are interested please contact Margaret.
 
Formation ClassesThis coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Micah 5:2-5a, “The Ruler of Bethlehem” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 61:10—62:3, “The Good News of Deliverance” and “The Vindication and Salvation of Zion.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.
 
Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in unison. We will sing Canticle 16 together. The Canticle will be set to Hymn S247, The Song of Mary (Magnificat) (Cathedral of the Isles) from The Hymnal 1982.
 
Thought for the week – Joy: Joy is a mystery. It’s as mysterious as our suffering. And, I think, it’s as boundless as our suffering. Somehow, in God’s economy, the one is creating the space for the other.
-Br. Curtis Almquist
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu.      * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Dec. 20th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room and Sanctuary)
Sun. Dec. 23rd        * Greening of the Church and Parish Soup luncheon
Mon. Dec. 24th       * Christmas Eve “Midnight” Festive Eucharist – 9:00 carol sing,
                             9:30 worship.
Tue. Dec. 25th        * Christmas Day – office closed
Thu. Dec. 27th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room and Sanctuary)
Sat. Dec. 29th        * 5th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
Sun. Dec. 30th        * Service of Christmas Lessons and Music, Pastoral Care Sunday
Thu. Jan. 3rd          * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 6th          * The Epiphany, Discretionary Sunday
Thu. Jan. 3rd          * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sat. Jan. 12th         * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
                             House)
Sun. Jan. 13th         * Annual Parish Meeting
Mon. Jan. 14th        * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Thu. Jan. 16th         * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 20th        * Rector Continuing Education – Supply Clergy
Mon. Jan. 21st        * G.F.W.C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
                             House)
____________________________________________________________
Community Church Websites:
New Community Christian Center                      http://www.nccfamily.us
Oakland Christian Church (UCC)                       http://www.oaklandchristianchurch.com/
Perfecting Saints Church of God in Christ       http://www.pscogic.com/
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church         http://www.wesleychapelchuckatuck.org
Ebenezer United Methodist Church                 http://ebumc.net/
Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS)     http://www.capsuffolk.com
 
PASTORAL CARE
Pray for Katherine, our presiding bishop; Holly, our bishop; and Les our priest.
 
Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Faye and family, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Steve, Morse, Carolyn, Jonathan, Charles, and Kathy.
 
Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan, Elizabeth, Dane, Leon, and Patrick
 
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Virginia & Theresa
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach; Mrs. Stella Bartron.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Francis Quashie; Koforidua, Ghana.
 
Birthdays in December
Marcella 02                 Gary 08
Rev. Les 08                 John 14
Burr 18                        Nansi 18
Kevin 19                     Jim 19
Will 28                        Suze 30
Donald 30
 
Anniversaries in December
Bette & Bob 03           Marcella & Don 17
Dotty & Shannon 20   Elizabeth & John 28
Suze & Steven 30       Tina & Nick 31
 
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 Facebook:
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Monday, December 17, 2012

Christian Formation for Sunday Dec 23; Micah 5:2-5a; The Ruler from Bethlehem

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Dec 23, 2012, 4 Advent
Micah 5:2-5a
The Ruler from Bethlehem
 
Background: The prophet Micah is the sixth of the 12 Minor Prophets. It is believed he was a contemporary of Isaiah of Jerusalem (the person the book of Isaiah is attributed to). Micah was from a small village near Jerusalem and was most likely prophesying near the fall of the northern tribes to Assyria. Yet with what is known about Micah there are few records that identify who Micah was.
 
Theme: Micah is another of the prophets who provide oracles of both judgment and hope; the early portion of the book is dedicated to oracles of judgment while chapters 4 and 5 are oracles of hope. Micah brings a different perspective to the prophet due in large part to his upbringing in a rural setting. Many of his oracles are shaped by his upbringing and his life among the common people in Judah.
 
Questions to Ponder
* Skim the entire book of Micah for context and tone.
* Where are Ephrathah, Judah, and Bethlehem?
* What is the setting of the book of Micah: what is the social, religious, and political state in Israel?
* How might Micah’s rural heritage provide a different lens through which Israel is judged? How might his heritage be contrasting or concurrent with the “typical” prophet in Israel’s history?
* Why might it be important for Israel to have a prophet from outside the norm of other prophetic voices in Israel?
* Who might the prophet be speaking of when they say “…one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old…”?
* What was the significance of the village of Bethlehem in the Old Testament? How did Bethlehem come to prominence in New Testament times?
* In verse 5a, the prophet tells of “the ruler who will be great to the ends of the earth and shall be the one of peace.” Christians attribute this saying to Jesus and his ministry. How does the image presented here compare with the image of Jesus from the New Testament?
* Of whom do you think the prophet is speaking?
* Given the ongoing crisis in Israel at the time of this text, how would this oracle be one of hope for the Jews?
* How might this passage affect our Advent journey of preparation for Christ’s birth at Christmas?
* What message does this passage have for society in the 21st century?
* What is the application of this passage for us in our lives in the 21st century United States?