Christian Formation for Sunday May 6, the 5th Sunday of Easter - Acts 8:26-40, Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

May 6, 2012, 5^th Sunday of Easter

Acts 8:26-40

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Background: The Acts of the Apostles continues the story of Jesus’ life portrayed in the Gospel of Luke. This book emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the divinity of Jesus; heavy emphasis is placed on tying all Jesus did to the Old Testament prophets. It has been said that Luke’s intent was to show the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were both real and preordained by God.

Theme: In this passage we see indicators of Christianity’s growth outside Israel and its neighbors. This is one of a continuing series of call and evangelism stories situated between Stephen’s martyrdom and Saul’s conversion. Through this passage the author of Acts continues to define the growth in acceptance and stature of the Christian cult in the Ancient Near East.

Questions to Ponder

* Review Acts 4:4-25 paying attention to the principals in action and their presentation of the gospel.

* Briefly describe the social and political situation surrounding this passage.

* Be familiar with the geographic setting of this story and the layout of the places named in the passage.

* In verse 26, the phrase “go to the south” could also be interpreted “go at noon”. What difference would it make with either interpretation? What other events may have taken place at or about noon in the book of Acts? Given the specificity of the time, how might that be an indicator of the Holy Spirit’s interaction with humanity in the growing Christian faith?

* What might the significance of Ethiopia be to this passage? Why might it be important for the Ethiopian in the passage to be a member of the queen’s court?

* How might the fact that the Ethiopian in the chariot was a eunuch impact the conversion that takes place in the passage? How might the Jews treat or view a eunuch? By what authority would they treat a eunuch in that manner?

* What might the significance of the eunuch reading from the prophet Isaiah? What was the history of the passage to the nation of Israel? Do you think the passage should be redefined by the life of Jesus? How might this passage point to statements by Jesus in the gospels?

* For what reason do you think the author made it very clear that the actions in this passage were caused by the Holy Spirit? How might this support the intent of the author with regard to the empowerment of Christianity?

* Do you think the reinterpretation of the passage as one pointing specifically to Christ is helpful for unity in our Christian tradition? How might scriptural reinterpretation impact ecumenical relationships, especially with the Jews?

* It could be claimed the eunuch was the first African missionary yet there is no indication of him doing anything except rejoicing. How might his rejoicing be a form of evangelism?

* Do you think the Holy Spirit actually teleported Philip to Azotus? Where is Caesarea in relation to Azotus and what might the author be claiming with this passage?

* What are the implications of this passage for us in the global community of the 21^st century?

Sermon for Sunday April 29 - 4 Easter Year B

Greetings friends at the midpoint of our Easter journey. It was a nicer day today after last week's monsoon. We have continued the thread about how our abiding in God causes us to reflect on God at work in ourselves and in community. Today's reflection looks at how our relationship with the risen Christ is defined by laying down those things that bind us to our earthly existence and was entitled "Remember." Comments are appreciated.
Les+

http://chirb.it/mmczCx

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 29 - the 4th Sunday of Easter

Bishop’s Visitation – The Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith will conduct his first official Visitation since his consecration as our Diocesan Bishop Next Sunday, May 6. We will be Receiving Linda into the Episcopal Church during worship. Following service there will be a potluck luncheon; please sign up on the flyer in the Narthex.
          Among other things, Bp. Holly is scheduled to attend the 9:15 am Formation hour; either as formation class or an open forum. It is strongly encouraged for people to attend to hear what our Bishop has to say.

Coalition against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) News – Our rector, Les Ferguson, has been elected to serve as the Chairperson on the Board of Directors of the CAPS. He invites you to take a look at the programs being proposed by CAPS and how we, as a Parish, might be able to support this vital growing ministry in Suffolk. In addition, the coalition is still looking for participant churches in Suffolk; if you would like information or have a church for the Rector to contact please let him know.

______________________________________________________________
April 29, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 4^th Sunday of Easter
First Lesson:  Acts 4:5-12
Psalm:  23
Second Lesson:  1 John 3:16-24
Gospel:  John 10:11-18

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Terry
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Fred and Marlene
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  Laura

Refreshments:  Les and Kathy

Sermon for Sunday, April 22: http://chirb.it/99eC1r

______________________________________________________________
Coffee Hour/Lemonade on the Lawn – “I can’t host post-service refreshments…” is a phrase often heard. However, once people understand what is required for refreshment hour they realize assisting is much easier than they thought. In principle, the refreshment hour is something to snack on during post-service fellowship. There is no expectation of an elaborate meal – in fact, the majority of the time simple is more appreciated than more complicated.
          When it comes to refreshments they may include things like fruit; cookies or crackers (with or without cheese); maybe a few vegetables; and beverages. For beverages the parish has coffee, leaving one or two choices to be provided. Possibilities include tea, juice, lemonade, and ice water.
          Please consider assisting with refreshments – anyone can do it. If you have any questions contact Marcella.

Parish Growth Strategy – Burr 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 committee if called.

          The Rector will be enlisting assistance to revamp the church’s tri-fold flier. If he contacts you please prayerfully consider providing assistance for this project in order to revitalize our Parish’s visibility in our community.

Pastoral Care Volunteers Needed – Have you ever wished you had someone to lend an ear or ease a burden? If so, I encourage you to consider becoming a Pastoral Care provider. There are no special skills required, simply the ability to be present with another member of our church family to ease their burdens. If you feel called to assist please contact the Rector.

          We have had a little response and we request you prayerfully consider this ministry. If you have any questions about the ministry contact the Rector.

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 23 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 510, Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove (St. Agnes) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 4:5-12, “Peter and John before the Council” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 8:26-40, “Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday.

Wednesday Book Study – On Wednesday, April 25 we will discuss chapter 3, “A man for all seasons: and in Jesus Christ his Son our Lord.” If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact the Rector.

Olan Mills Directories - The 2012 directories have been delivered and are available for pick-up in the Parish Office. If you had a photo taken or submitted, please stop by and pick up book. If you didn’t have photo taken there are extra copies available. Please see the Rector.

          There is one correction to the directory: Kevin and Terry’s phone number ends 2102 (not 2012).

Thought for the week – Bad Religion: Bad religion is about not trusting God, trying to avoid God or even outwitting him; about approaching God as ‘the management,’ or the head teacher, perhaps, a presence that is at best critical or hostile, always to be outmanoeuvred where possible.

-The Most Rev. and Honorable Rowan Williams

Tokens of Trust, pp 7-8

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Apr. 26^th        Junto GFWC set up for Spring Game Day and Luncheon
                             12:00 – 3:30 pm (Parish Hall)
Fri. Apr. 27^th         Junto GFWC Spring Game Day and Luncheon
                             9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
Tue. May 8^th          Spring Clergy Day
Sun. May 13^th         Mother’s Day
                             Rogation Sunday
Mon. May 14^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Thu. May 17^th         Diocesan Fresh Start Graduation Day – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
                             (Camp Chanco)
Mon. Jun. 18^th        Rector’s Continuing Education through June 22^nd – Virginia
                             Theological Seminary (Alexandria VA)
Sat. Jun. 23^rd        Rector’s Vacation through July 5^th
____________________________________________________________
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/

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, Evan, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Elsie, Charles, the Goman family, and Tina.

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Susan, Jonathon, Aaron, Kevin, and Elizabeth

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Dell
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Emmanuel, Portsmouth; St. Christopher's, Portsmouth; The Rev. Katherine Gray; The Rev. Patrick & Leslie Finn.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Kenya; The Most Rev. Dr. Eliud Wabukala Primate and Archbishop of All Kenya.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Memory of Renee Brady on the first anniversary of her death, by Kevin and Terry.

Birthdays in April

John 06                        Barbara 10
Matthew 14                 Bryan 16
Katherine 16               Paul 24
Jake 26                        Bryan 27
Bernice 30

Anniversaries in April

Tim & Bev 03             Doug & Mac 30

Birthdays in May

Claudia 10                   Margaret 10
Willis 10                      Steve 14
Sterling 15                   Christine 17
Mary 22                       Bert 24

Anniversaries in May

Susan & Jim 14           Joe & Mary-Margaret 24
Alan & Sarah 25         Dennis & Rusty 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

Christian formation for April 29; Acts 4:5-12; Peter and John before the Council

Peter and John before the Council

Background: The Acts of the Apostles continues the story of Jesus’ life portrayed in the Gospel of Luke. This book emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the divinity of Jesus; heavy emphasis is placed on tying all Jesus did to the Old Testament prophets. It has been said that Luke’s intent was to show the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus were both real and preordained by God.

Theme: Peter and John have been witnessing to the power of the resurrected Jesus in the Temple. The Apostles have been peacefully confronting the Jewish leadership and the leader’s stifling of the people’s access to the redeeming message of Christ. In this case, the Apostles have healed a lame man and are being tried by the religious leadership regarding their actions in the Temple.

Questions to Ponder

* What is the social and political status of the nation of Israel? How freely do the believers get to move about and worship in Jerusalem?

* Why might the religious leaders be adamantly against the message of the Apostles? How do you think the Roman occupiers react to the Apostles and the traditional Jewish religious authorities? Why might there be a difference in the Roman’s actions to these different groups?

* Who do you think Annas, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander are? What was known about these different individuals in Luke’s gospel? Why do you think they were included in the group of the high priestly family trying the Apostles?

* Do you think there may be a more subtle message in the story, brought about by naming the different individuals (previous question) at the beginning of the story?

* Why do you think Luke attributes the words spoken by Peter to the Holy Spirit? Do you think Peter was speaking on his authority or some other person’s/entity’s authority? Why or why not

* What do you think is most disturbing about the Apostle’s claim that the man “is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified,”? Do you think this signals a change in thinking in the religious community in 1^st century Israel?

* Why do you think Peter states the claim about Jesus recalling the words of Psalm 118:22?

* What do you think is meant by the following statement, “There is salvation in no one else [Jesus]…” and “…there is no other name [Jesus’] under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved” in verse 12

* What might the pitfall be in Peter saying that Jesus’ name is the only way that people will be saved? Could that be misinterpreted as something akin to an incantation or magical formula?

* Do you think it is important for those in healing ministries to invoke the name of Jesus aloud? Would it be as effective for “healers” to simply invoke the name of Jesus to themselves?

* What might the application of this passage be for us today?

Sermon for Sunday April 22, 2012 - 3 Easter

Greetings from rainy, swampy Suffolk; we had a great day even if it was a little rained out (standing water moat around the Parish House). We’re looking at our response to the call given at Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. Today we shifted gears a little to reflect on how we have life through restored relationships even when we sin. And we can report that some of our little ones have been back two weeks in a row - a couple and their wee ones - life is very good.

Les+

http://chirb.it/99eC1r

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 22, 2012 - 3rd Sunday of Easter

Outreach Committee Meeting – The Outreach Committee will meet tonight, Wednesday, April 18, at 7:00 pm. There will be a presentation by Ms. Hayden Hill, from Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church on Godwin Blvd. regarding evolving ministry in Suffolk – Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS). She will discuss the principles of the program and a little bit about the vision and how we, as a Parish, can participate in the program. Anyone who is interested in either the CAPS program or becoming a member of the Outreach team is invited to attend. For more information, contact Leone.

Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) News – Our rector, Les Ferguson, has been elected to serve as the Chairperson on the Board of Directors of the CAPS. He invites you to take a look at the programs being proposed by CAPS and how we, as a Parish, might be able to support this vital growing ministry in Suffolk.

______________________________________________________________
April 22, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 3^rd Sunday of Easter
First Lesson:  Acts 4:32-35
Psalm:  133
Second Lesson:  1 John 1:1-2:2
Gospel:  John 20:19-31

Lay Participants for April 22, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone
Lector:  Ben
Prayers:  Bernice
Ushers:  Lynn and Marcella
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  Laura

Refreshments:  No one has volunteered

Sermon for Sunday, April 15: http://chirb.it/hseE66

______________________________________________________________
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.

Parish Growth Strategy – Burr 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 committee if called.

          The Rector will be enlisting assistance to revamp the church’s tri-fold flier. If he contacts you please prayerfully consider providing assistance for this project in order to revitalize our Parish’s visibility in our community.

Pastoral Care Volunteers Needed – Have you ever wished you had someone to lend an ear or ease a burden? If so, I encourage you to consider becoming a Pastoral Care provider. There are no special skills required, simply the ability to be present with another member of our church family to ease their burdens. If you feel called to assist please contact the Rector.

          We have had a little response and we request you prayerfully consider this ministry. If you have any questions about the ministry contact the Rector.

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 4 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 126, The people who in darkness walked (Dundee) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 3:12-19, “Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 4:5-12, “Peter and John before the Council.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday.

Wednesday Book Study – On Wednesday, April 25 we will discuss chapter 2, “The Risk of Love: maker of heaven and earth.” If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret and the Rector.

Stand Up for Kids - There is a thank you from Pastor Don General from Perfecting Saints Church of God in Christ on the bulletin board in the Parish House.  Please take a look at his letter and the other recent postings.

Thought for the week – Transformation: Lives are transformed; communities are renewed; the poor are helped; God is praised by glad and generous hearts! There is new life, new hope, new joy, new freedom, a new love for one another! Such is the power of believing.

-Br. David Vryhof, SSJE

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Wed. Apr. 18^th       Outreach Committee meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Thu. Apr. 19^th        Diocesan Fresh Start – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Camp Chanco)
Thu. Apr. 26^th        Junto GFWC set up for Spring Game Day and Luncheon
                             12:00 – 3:30 pm (Parish Hall)
Fri. Apr. 27^th         Junto GFWC Spring Game Day and Luncheon
                             9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
Tue. May 8^th          Spring Clergy Day
Sun. May 13^th         Mother’s Day
                             Rogation Sunday
Mon. May 14^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Thu. May 17^th         Diocesan Fresh Start Graduation Day – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
                             (Camp Chanco)
Mon. Jun. 18^th        Rector’s Continuing Education through June 22^nd – Virginia
                             Theological Seminary (Alexandria VA)
Sat. Jun. 23^rd        Rector’s Vacation through July 5^th
____________________________________________________________
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/

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, Evan, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Elsie, Charles, the Goman family, and Tina.

Deceased: Terri Chapman and comfort to her family

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

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Claudia
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Parish Book Store, Virginia Beach; St. Paul's, Peytonsburg; St. Stephen's, Petersburg.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Church in Jerusalem & the Middle East; The Most Rev. Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis, President Bishop, Jerusalem & the Middle East & Bishop in Egypt with North Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory and honor of our loved ones.

Birthdays in April

John 06                        Barbara 10
Matthew 14                 Bryan 16
Katherine 16               Paul 24
Jake 26                        Bryan 27
Bernice 30

Anniversaries in April

Tim & Bev 03             Doug & Mac 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 Facebook:
St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Thank you from Perfecting Saints COGIC to the Parish family at St. John's

God Did It .......by Using YOU!

Dear Saints and Friends,

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your ministry to the homeless and disadvantaged youth of Hampton Roads; and let you know how much we appreciate your efforts. Without people with a heart to serve like you have served, the church could not even begin to meet the needs of our community. So I wanted to pause and simply personally say, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! What a tremendous success this drive has been and it would not have been successful without you!

We have been so overwhelmed by the support of both our church members, neighboring churches, and your co-workers! Because of your efforts we were able to exceed our goal of providing 100 food and hygiene bags to the Stand Up for Kids organization, with your help we were able to provide 240 food and hygiene bags! What an awesome work God has done through YOU!

I would also like to personally thank Rev. Les Ferguson and the St. John's Episcopal Church of Suffolk, Rev. Dr. Joseph Chase, Jr and the Friendship Cathedral COGIC, and the Suffolk Herald Newspaper for partnering with us in this effort. I am convinced that, "you don't have to be a mega church to make a mega difference in this community"!

Lastly, I would like to thank Lady Tangie General and Lady Octavia Johnson for organizing and seeing this to its fruition. I know it was a lot of counting, collecting, and categorizing but you did it, thank you!

I look forward to working together with you in the future. As always if you are interested in future community service opportunities please visit our website at www.pscogic.com/mission.html or simply click the Outreach arrow on our home page to see what we have going on.

Again I thank you and you and yours will remain in our prayers!

Prayerfully Yours,
Pastor Don

Rev. Donald J. General, Jr. D.Min.
Pastor
Perfecting Saints COGIC
www.pscogic.com

P.S. I encourage you all to visit the Stand Up For Kids website (http://www.standupforkids.org/Hampton%20Roads/default.aspx) and learn a little more about the organization that you have so generously supported! Please pass this email to all your co-workers who may not be on our e-mailing list.

Sermon for Sunday April 15, 2012 - Easter 2

Greetings on Thomas’ Sunday! Today wasn’t an especially “low” Sunday; we were down a couple regulars but we had 2 visitors and 2 members who haven’t been in a while along with their 2 little ones. We opened our Easter Season by looking at our Stewardship of God’s bounty in our lives in response to our profession of faith. Today’s sermon entitled “Sharing our gift in common with our community.” Thoughts and likes appreciated.

Les+

http://chirb.it/hseE66

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 15, 2012 - the 2nd Sunday of Easter

Happy Easter! – Alleluia! Christ it Risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Outreach Committee Meeting – The next Outreach Committee meeting will be held this coming Wednesday, April 18, at 7:00 pm. There will be a presentation by Ms. Hayden Hill, from Westminster Reformed Presbyterian Church on Godwin Blvd. regarding evolving ministry in Suffolk – Coalition for the Alleviation of Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS). She will discuss the principles of the program and a little bit about the vision and how we, as a Parish, can participate in the program. Anyone who is interested in either the CAPS program or becoming a member of the Outreach team is invited to attend. For more information, contact Leone.

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.

______________________________________________________________
April 15, 2012, 10:30 am Litany of Healing and Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 2^nd Sunday of Easter
First Lesson:  Acts 4:32-35
Psalm:  133
Second Lesson:  1 John 1:1-2:2
Gospel:  John 20:19-31

Lay Participants for April 15, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Mary-Margaret
Lector:  Suze
Prayers:  Bernice
Ushers:  Gary and Steven
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  Lynn

Refreshments:  Leftovers

Sermon for Good Friday, April 6: http://chirb.it/tILGk0

Sermon for Easter Sunday, April 8: http://chirb.it/BaIGa2

______________________________________________________________
Pastoral Care Volunteers Needed – Have you ever wished you had someone to lend an ear or ease a burden? If so, I encourage you to consider becoming a Pastoral Care provider. There are no special skills required, simply the ability to be present with another member of our church family to ease their burdens. If you feel called to assist please contact the Rector.
          We have had a little response and we request you prayerfully consider this ministry. If you have any questions about the ministry contact the Rector.

Parish Growth Strategy – Burr 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 committee if called.

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 133 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.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 4:32-35, “The Believers Share Their Possessions” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 3:12-19, “Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Portico.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday.

Wednesday Book Study – Next Wednesday, April 18 our study group will begin a discussion of the book Tokens of Trust, by Rowan Williams. We will cover the chapter entitled, “Who can we trust? I believe in God the Father almighty…” If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret and the Rector.

Convocation IV News - Please keep the churches in Convocation IV in your prayers. Some of the churches are entering into a discernment process to identify their pathway for their future and, as can be expected, anxiety is on the rise.

Thought for the week – Resurrection: We only know the relief of dawn when the terrors of the night have kept us awake. We only know the joy of resurrection when the fear of darkness has clutched our hearts, but even there, even then, even now God is at work in your life. Take courage. Now is God’s time in your life.

-Br. James Koester, SSJE

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Sat. Apr. 14^th        James River Rug Hookers
Mon. Apr. 16^th        Junto GFWC Meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish House)
                             Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Wed. Apr. 18^th       Outreach Committee meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Thu. Apr. 19^th        Diocesan Fresh Start – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Camp Chanco)
Thu. Apr. 26^th        Junto GFWC set up for Spring Game Day and Luncheon
                             12:00 – 3:30 pm (Parish Hall)
Fri. Apr. 27^th         Junto GFWC Spring Game Day and Luncheon
                             9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
Tue. May 8^th          Spring Clergy Day
Sun. May 13^th         Mother’s Day
                             Rogation Sunday
Mon. May 14^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Thu. May 17^th         Diocesan Fresh Start Graduation Day – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
                             (Camp Chanco)
____________________________________________________________
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/

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, Evan, Kevin, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Terri and Family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Elsie, Charles, and the Goman family.

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

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Eddie
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: April Weekend at Chanco; St. John's, Petersburg; St. Paul's, Petersburg; The Rev. Dr. Joseph and Evelyn Green

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Nippon Sei Ko Kai (The Anglican Communion in Japan); The Most Rev. Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu, Primate of The Nippon Sei Ko Kai & Bishop of Hokkaido.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory and honor of our loved ones.

Birthdays in April

John 06                        Barbara 10
Matthew 14                 Bryan 16
Katherine 16               Paul 24
Jake 26                        Bryan 27
Bernice 30

Anniversaries in April

Tim & Bev 03             Doug & Mac 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

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