St. John's e-News for Sunday, January 1, 2012 - The Feast of the Baptism of Jesus

“De-Greening” the Church – A special thanks to all who helped take down the Advent greens from the church last weekend.

Renewal of Baptismal Vows – We will substitute the Renewal of Baptismal Vows for the Nicene Creed today in remembrance of our Baptisms and to honor the church's tradition that "the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord is an especially appropriate date for baptisms." For more information about the dates which are “especially appropriate for baptism” in the Episcopal Tradition see page 312 in the Book of Common Prayer.

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January 8, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the First Sunday after the Epiphany – Feast of the Baptism of Jesus
First Lesson: Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm: 29
Second Lesson: Acts 19:1-7
Gospel: Mark 1:4-11

Lay Participants for January 8, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Acolyte:  Jim
Lector:  Nick
Prayers:  Bernice
Ushers:  Nick and Tina
Nursery Attendant:  Taylor
Nursery Assistant:  Lynn

Refreshments:  Marlene

Sermon for January 1: none

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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 29 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 524, I love thy kingdom, Lord (St. Thomas) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

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 on May 6. 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.

Our Denominational Heritage – Q: What are the primary responsibilities of the Vestry?

          A: The Vestry is responsible for the maintenance of parish finances; upkeep of parish buildings and grounds; and to choose individuals to fill various positions of parish leadership and representation in the Parish and Diocese.

“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 discuss our Old Testament reading Genesis 1:1-5, “Six Days of Creation and the Sabbath,” this Sunday January 8 at 9:15-10:15 am. For our next class will on January 15 we discuss our Old Testament reading 1 Samuel 3:1-20, “Samuel’s Calling and Prophetic Activity.” 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 – See: We can only see and serve Jesus in our poor neighbors if we recognize and experience that this is how Jesus sees us – sees you and me…

-Br. David Vryhof, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
Sun. Jan. 8^th          Liturgy Team (following coffee hour)
Mon. Jan. 9^th         Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Jan. 15^th         Annual Meeting – following service
                              Parish Potluck – following the Annual Meeting
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, Lisa, Terri and Family, Marvin, Bev, Denise, and Jaelyn.

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

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Leone
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Mrs. Sophronia Gordon; St. John's, Hampton; St. Mark's, Hampton; The Rev. Helen McKee
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Australia. The Most Rev. Dr Phillip John Aspinall the Archbishop of Brisbane & Primate of Australia.

Flowers: Are given to The Glory of God and in loving memory of Robert Hepburn Rogers: A Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather; by Bernice.

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.
Cell:  757-418-0063

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

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