St. John's e-News for Sunday May 6, 2012 - 5th Sunday of Easter

Bishop’s Visitation – Today we welcome Bishop Holly Hollerith as our celebrant and preacher today. In addition, he will be Receiving Linda Harms into the Episcopal Church during Worship.
          The loose plate offering and any designated gifts in the plate will be given to Bishop Hollerith for his Discretionary fund.
          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.

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May 6, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 5^th Sunday of Easter
First Lesson:  Acts 8:26-40
Psalm:  22:24-30
Second Lesson:  1 John 4:7-21
Gospel:  John 15:1-8

Lay Participants for May 6, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone
Lector:  Kathy
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Anne and Bert
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  Alice

Refreshments:  Potluck Luncheon

Sermon for Sunday, April 29: http://chirb.it/mmczCx

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Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 8:26-40, “Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our New Testament reading Acts 10:44-48, “Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday.

Wednesday Book Study – On Wednesday, April 25 we will discuss chapter 4, “The Peace Divided: He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again.” If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please 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 22:24-30 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 147, Now let us all with one accord (Bourbon) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

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.

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.

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.

Thought for the week – Good News: We can take the radical step of moving toward God and creating a better world by living compassionately. This is the good news.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
Tue. May 8^th          Spring Clergy Day
Sat. May 12^th         James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish House)
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)
Sat. May 19^th         Armed Forces Day
Sun. May 27^th        Pentecost
Mon. May 28^th        Memorial Day holiday (Office closed)
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
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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, Tina, and Kathleen and her son Fergal.

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

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Shannon & Dotty
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Robbie Matthews - Chanco Staff; St. James', Portsmouth; St. John's, Portsmouth; The Rev. Cameron & Angelina Randle; Trinity, Portsmouth.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Korea; The Most Rev. Paul Kim Primate of the Anglican Church of Korea and Bishop of Seoul.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of Bishop Hollerith’s presence with us.

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

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