St. John's e-Word for Sunday January 29, 2012 - 4 Epiphany

Parish Growth Strategy – Burr Henderson has agreed to serve as the head of our Parish Growth Committee. He will be contacting members of the Parish to identify the areas where we see potential growth and what actions we can take to achieve that growth. Please prayerfully consider serving on this essential committee if called.

Question for Reflection – What three things will we do this year to improve how we form people, offer ourselves in worship, incorporate new members, or live together as a community?

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January 29, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
First Lesson:  Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm:  111
Second Lesson:  1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Gospel:  Mark 1:21-28

Lay Participants for January 29, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Gary and Marcella
Nursery Attendant:  Stephanie
Nursery Assistant:  Laura

Refreshments:  Tina

Sermon for January 22: http://chirb.it/N7gxep
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Diocesan Council Resolutions and Elections – A copy of the Diocesan Resolutions for this year’s Council can be found at: http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/ResolutionsALL.pdf and a list of nominees and their positions can be found at: http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/NomineesforElection.pdf.
          A summary of the Resolutions is: (1) C-1: Change Canons 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 regarding Parishes and Missions; to remove all reference of size of the congregation when determining its status as a parish or mission. (2) Con-1: Constitutional Resolution changing Article 5, Section 2 regarding the determination of a quorum for congregational meetings to reflect the change in Resolution C-1. (3) C-2: Change Canons 13 and 31 to reflect the modification in descriptors for parishes and missions reflective of Resolution C-1. (4) R-1: Petition to the General Convention to study and consider flexibility with the fiscal year of Episcopal dioceses. (5) R-2: To allow clergy and congregations in Southern Virginia to participate in the use of trial liturgies that may be approved by the 77^th General Convention for formalizing the blessing of same-gender unions. (6) R-3: The disposition of the Talbot Hall property.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Shrove Tuesday is just around the corner (February 21); it is almost time for our Annual Pancake Supper and Offering of the Palms. We will follow our schedule from years past with dinner being served from 5:00-7:00 pm. The cost for the Supper will remain the same also: $5 per person or $15 per family of 4 or more. Help spread the word and invite our neighbors to this wonderful celebration. More information to follow and there will be many opportunities to assist.

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 111 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 43: All praise to thee, my God, this night (The Eighth Tune) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

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. If you have any questions about the duties for each position see one of our current volunteers or the Rector.

Wednesday Book Study - Our book study will continue this coming Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 am and we will discuss Chapter 2, “Stop ‘Being Good’” from 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 Deuteronomy 8:15-20, “A New Prophet like Moses” this Sunday from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week will continue our study of the Old Testament Lectionary reading; Isaiah 40:21-31, “God’s People Are Comforted.” 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 February.  For more information contact the Rector.

Thought for the week – Mercy: Mercy is the prevailing reason why Jesus speaks and acts. It is about manifesting God’s mercy. And so for us who are his followers.

-Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
Wed. Jan. 25^th       Convocation IV Pre-Council meeting – 7 pm (St. Paul’s Suffolk)
Wed. Feb. 8^th        Garden Club – evening (Parish Hall)
Fri. Feb. 10^th         Annual Council begins – Williamsburg Lodge (through Feb. 11^th)
Sat. Feb. 11^th         James River Rug Hookers – 10 am – 3 pm (Parish Hall)
Mon. Feb. 13^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Wed. Feb. 15^th       Outreach Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Tue. Feb. 21^st        Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Wed. Feb. 22^nd      Ash Wednesday – 12:00 pm and 7:15 pm
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, Jaelyn, Sally, Bill, Heather, and Toni.

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

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Don & Marcella
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Mrs. Lynette Thomas; St. Andrew's, Lawrenceville; St. Paul's Memorial Chapel, Lawrenceville.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Burundi; The Most Rev. Bernard Ntahoturi Archbishop of the Province of Burundi & Bishop of Matana.

Flowers: To the glory of God and in memory of B.B. Henderson Jr. and Elizabeth “Billie” Henderson by Anne and Bert

Anniversaries in February

Gary & Toni 14           Mollie 15

Birthdays in February

James 2                        Karen 8
Mac 8                          Shawn 8
Perk 16                        Joe 19
Jimmye 20                   Alice 22

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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