St. John's e-News for Sunday June 17, 2012 - 3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Supply Clergy – During the Rector’s absence, our Sunday worship will be celebrated by the Rev. Ron Spangenberg from Norfolk. He has served at St. John’s in the past but hasn’t served here for a little while. Please give him a warm St. John’s welcome while he is here.

Rector’s Vacation and Continuing Education - The Rector will be away for 1 week of continuing education the week of June 18-22. The following 2 weeks he will be away on vacation, returning for worship on July 8.

          During his absence the Senior Warden, Leone Vigil, will be the point of contact in emergencies and the Junior Warden, Joe Fisher, will be the secondary contact in emergencies. Pastoral support will be provided by Rev. Ileana Rosario from Wesley Chapel.
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June 17, 2012, 10:30 am Litany of Healing and Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 3^rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 6)
First Lesson:  1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
Psalm:  20
Second Lesson:  2 Corinthians 5:6-17
Gospel:  Mark 4:26-34

Lay Participants for June 17, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Terry
Lector:  Ben
Prayers:  Suze
Ushers:  Steven and Suze
Nursery Attendant:  Taylor
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments:  Parish Picnic

Sermon for Sunday, June 10: http://chirb.it/39LB7c

______________________________________________________________
Around the Convocation – We had our Convocation clergy meeting this past Tuesday and there was a good discussion about the things happening in Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, and Smithfield. There has been a request to pray for the churches in our Convocation as many are reflecting on difficult financial and spiritual growth times.

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 20 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 609, Where cross the crowded ways (Gardiner) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Christian Formation Offerings – In the coming months be on the lookout for new offerings for Christian Formation. In the later summer we will begin brainstorming what Christian Formation has for us and how the ministry of Formation will continue to evolve in the coming year. We will also attempt to put “flesh on the bones” of a renewed Children’s Christian Formation and the process we will employ to help our young ones to continue their growth in God’s kingdom on earth.

St. John’s Prayer List – Please review the prayer list for accuracy and currency. We will continue to pray for those on the list but would also be blessed to lift them in Thanksgiving once their situation has resolved. If there are any additions or subtractions please contact the Rector or Don in the Parish Office.

Worship Assistants – There are always openings for volunteers to assist with worship. Please prayerfully consider is God is calling you to help as a (1) Eucharistic Minister, (2) Lector, (3) Prayer Leader, (4) Usher, (5) Altar and Flower Guild, and/or (6) Nursery Assistant. There is formal training for Eucharistic Minister and Nursery Assistant. Training can be provided for the other positions as needed. If you feel called to serve please contact the Rector or the Church Office.

Formation Classes – Formation classes are canceled from June 24 – July 1. They will resume on July 8, 2012, when the Rector returns.

Fellowship Hour – We are looking for volunteers to help with the refreshment hour following church. The requirements are relatively easy but this piece of hospitality is something worth doing for our members and visitors.

          Please consider assisting with refreshments – anyone can do it. If you have any questions contact Marcella.

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.

Thought for the week – Power: By inviting us to work with him, we become wonder workers with Jesus. He helps us achieve the impossible. And in cooperating with him energies and abilities are released in us we never knew we had.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Jun. 14^th         * St. John’s Singers – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Jun. 17^th         * Parish Picnic – following worship
Mon. Jun. 18^th        * Rector’s Continuing Education through June 22^nd – Virginia
                             Theological Seminary (Alexandria VA)
Tue. Jun. 19^th         * CAPS Board Meeting – 3:00-4:30 pm (Westminster
                             Presbyterian)
                             * Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation Meeting – 7:00 pm
                             (Parish House)
Wed. Jun. 20^th       * Outreach Committee meeting – 7:00-8:30 pm (Parish Hall)
Sat. Jun. 23^rd        * Rector’s Vacation through July 5^th
Sat. Jun. 30^th        * Salvation Army Luncheon (Note: Terry is away)
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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, Faye and family, Carter and family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Elsie, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Times family, the Chapman family, Will, Mary-Margaret, Gary, and Hallie.

Thanksgiving: Mary-Margaret

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

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Carroll
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: St. Mark's, Suffolk; St. Paul's, Suffolk; The Rt. Rev. Donald Hart - Retired Assistant Bishop.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion); The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, Metropolitan & Primate of all Nigeria & Bishop of Abuja.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God in memory of my mother, Marie L. Kirk and in honor of my father, Arthur A. Kirk by Ann Kirk-Mendez.

Birthdays in June

Sarah 01                      G. Lee 01
Mark 02                       Lauren 03
Leone 09                     Bryan 15
Kristian 17                  Jacob 19
Allison 23                    Toni 29

Anniversaries in June

Jeremy & Lindsay 04              Paul & Sharon 14
Anne & Bert 21                      Jim & Margaret 26
Alice & Marvin 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

Christian Formation for Sunday June 17, 2012 - 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13; David Anointed as King

June 17, 2012, 3 Pentecost

1 Samuel 15:34—16:13

David Anointed as King

Background: The book of 1 Samuel is considered part of the Deuteronomistic history; among its functions is to introduce the transition from the divinely selected judges as leaders in Israel to the secular kingship as leaders. This passage details Saul’s continued demonstration of his unsuitableness to be God’s true king.

Theme: This passage culminates the story of Saul’s fall from God’s favor through his failure to be faithful to God’s command. It also provides the second call and anointing account, this time the focus is on God’s standards of a worthy king not the human standards for a secular ruler.

Questions to Ponder

* Skim the section from 1 Samuel 13:1-15:33, paying attention to the setting and commentary about Saul’s rule as king.

* What is the setting of this passage with regard to the social, political, and religious climate in the nation of Israel?

* For what reason is Saul rejected by God as king over Israel?

* What has been notable about Saul’s reign, save the obvious failures to heed God’s commands in his dealings with the inhabitants of the countryside?

* Why do you think Samuel grieved for Saul? Why do you think God was sorry that he made Saul king over Israel? Do you think God regretted making Saul king? Why or why not?

* What might the lineage of Jesse the Bethlehemite be? Why might that be significant in the story of the foundation of Israel?

* Why do you think God directed Samuel to partake in subterfuge for protection while going to Bethlehem? Do you think it was necessary for Samuel to stretch the truth in this manner?

* Why might the Bethlehemites be concerned about Samuel coming in peace?

* How is Saul portrayed in this passage? Does that portrayal seem consistent with the story of Saul?

* What is notable about God’s choice of kings when it comes to David? How has the motif of the youngest son been previously portrayed in the earlier passages of the Bible?

* What is God’s rationale for rejecting the older sons of Jesse? Why might God’s standard be important for us as we look for leaders in our church and world?

* Who else in the early Old Testament was portrayed like “ruddy”? Likewise, as one having “beautiful eyes” (or at least not having weak eyes)? Why might a person’s eyes be important in the mind of the Jews?

* What is ironic, if anything, about the way that the narrator chooses to describe David when he initially appears before Samuel? How does this compare with God’s criterion for selecting a king? Are the description and God’s standard directly in conflict?

* What seem odd about the anointing of David and Samuel’s departure? How does David’s anointing as king compare with Saul’s anointing?

* What might the significance of David’s position in his family and tribe be when compared to the nation of Israel?

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

Sermon for Sunday, June 10 - Pentecost 2 Year B (Proper 5)

Greetings friends! Blessings to you as we enter "Common Time" and settle in to our summer's journey. It was a nice week and finally no biblical rains but there has been a few visitors of the apian kind. We continued our discussion of our mission and ministry today; touching on our authority and our responsibilities in our authority. Your comments encouraged.

Les+

http://chirb.it/39LB7c

St. John's e-News for Sunday June 10, 2012

Supply Clergy – During the Rector’s absence, our Sunday worship will be celebrated by the Rev. Ron Spangenberg from Norfolk. He has served at St. John’s in the past but hasn’t served here for a little while. Please give him a warm St. John’s welcome while he is here.

Around the Convocation – We had our Convocation clergy meeting this past Tuesday and there was a good discussion about the things happening in Portsmouth, Suffolk, Franklin, and Smithfield. There has been a request to pray for the churches in our Convocation as many are reflecting on difficult financial and spiritual growth times.

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June 10, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 2^nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5)
First Lesson:  1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15
Psalm:  138
Second Lesson:  2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Gospel:  Mark 3:20-35

Lay Participants for June 10, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Terry
Lector:  Kevin
Prayers:  Bernice
Ushers:  Nick and Tina
Nursery Attendant:  Taylor
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments:  No volunteer

Sermon for Sunday, June 3: http://chirb.it/4LfIcy

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Welcome to our visitors – It was our pleasure to welcome Mike and Bobbi in worship the week of June 3. They have attended St. John’s in the past and are considering making St. John’s their worship home. When they return for worship please give them a warm welcome.

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 138 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 25, O gracious light (The Eighth Tune) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

St. John’s Prayer List – Please review the prayer list for accuracy and currency. We will continue to pray for those on the list but would also be blessed to lift them in Thanksgiving once their situation has resolved. If there are any additions or subtractions please contact the Rector or Don in the Parish Office.

Worship Assistants – There are always openings for volunteers to assist with worship. Please prayerfully consider is God is calling you to help as a (1) Eucharistic Minister, (2) Lector, (3) Prayer Leader, (4) Usher, (5) Altar and Flower Guild, and/or (6) Nursery Assistant. There is formal training for Eucharistic Minister and Nursery Assistant. Training can be provided for the other positions as needed. If you feel called to serve please contact the Rector or the Church Office.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading 1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15, “Israel demands a king and their request is granted” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading 1 Samuel 15:34—16:13, “David Anointed as King.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

Fellowship Hour – We are looking for volunteers to help with the refreshment hour following church. The requirements are relatively easy but this piece of hospitality is something worth doing for our members and visitors.

          Please consider assisting with refreshments – anyone can do it. If you have any questions contact Marcella.

Rector’s Vacation and Continuing Education - The Rector will be away for 1 week of continuing education the week of June 18-22. The following 2 weeks he will be away on vacation, returning for worship on July 8.

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.

Thought for the week – Call: The call of God is always accompanied by the promise of God. God’s answer to our protests of inadequacy and weakness is always the same: “I will be with you.”

-Br. David Vryhof

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Jun. 7^th          * St. John’s Singers – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Fri. Jun. 8^th           * James River Rug Hookers – Parish Hall
Sat. Jun. 9^th          * James River Rug Hookers – Parish Hall
                             * Diocesan Deacon Ordination – 11:00 am (St. Andrews Newport
                             News)
                             * Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry
Mon. Jun. 11^th         * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 -9:00 pm (Parish House)
Wed. Jun. 13^th       * Rector meets with the Diocesan Canon for Formation –
                             9:00 am (Diocesan office)
Thu. Jun. 14^th         * St. John’s Singers – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Mon. Jun. 18^th        * Rector’s Continuing Education through June 22^nd – Virginia
                             Theological Seminary (Alexandria VA)
Tue. Jun. 19^th         * CAPS Board Meeting – 3:00-4:30 pm (Westminster
                             Presbyterian)
                             * Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation Meeting – 7:00 pm
                             (Parish House)
Wed. Jun. 20^th       Outreach Committee meeting – 7:00-8:30 pm (Parish Hall)
Sat. Jun. 23^rd        * Rector’s Vacation through July 5^th
Sat. Jun. 30^th        * Salvation Army Luncheon (Note: Terry is away)
____________________________________________________________
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, Faye and family, Carter and family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Elsie, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Times family, the Chapman family, Will, Mary-Margaret, and Gary.

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

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Joe & Mary-Margaret
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Glebe, Suffolk; St. John's, Suffolk; The Rev. Dr. Harold & Sheilah Cobb, Jr.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma); The Most Rev. Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and Giving Thanks for Fathers by Marcella & Don.

Birthdays in June

Sarah 01                      G. Lee 01
Mark 02                       Lauren 03
Leone 09                     Bryan 15
Kristian 17                  Jacob 19
Allison 23                    Toni 29

Anniversaries in June

Jeremy & Lindsay 04              Paul & Sharon 14
Anne & Bert 21                      Jim & Margaret 26
Alice & Marvin 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

The Word from St. John's for June 2012

Friends:

We have completed the June edition of The Word from St. John's. I hope you find it enlightening and encouraging in your journey.

Grace and peace,

Fr. Les+

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/jczr8yno5692trt/Word_June_12.pdf?dl=1

Christian Formation for Sunday June 10 - 1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15; Israel Demands a King

June 10, 2012, 2 Pentecost

1 Samuel 8:4-20, 11:14-15

Israel Demands a King

Background: The book of 1 Samuel is considered part of the Deuteronomistic history; among its functions is to introduce the transition from the divinely selected judges as leaders in Israel to the secular kingship as leaders. The continuing story of Israel’s apostasy is laced through the opening portion of 1 Samuel culminating with their demand from Samuel to tell God they want a king like the other nations.

Theme: This passage helps designate Samuel’s successor as the leader of Israel. After the people demand a king Samuel intercedes with God and God “relents” to let Israel have their king, as long as they realize what they are getting into. The writer implies that this demand may simply be the next step in the recurring cycle of apostasy by God’s chosen people.

Questions to Ponder

* Describe the setting of this passage to include social, political, and religious relationships.

* What is the significance of the places named in this passage: Ramah and Gilgal? What might the significance of a city named Mizpah be? (A reference to Mizpah can be found in 1 Sam 7:2-17)

* How had Samuel been successful in defending Israel against its oppressors prior to the elders’ request for a king?

* What justification is offered by “all the elders” to demand a king of Samuel?

* What do you see as a principal issue with the elder’s demand to have Samuel “appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations.”?

* Why do you think Samuel took their request personally?

* What, if anything, about God’s response to Samuel strikes you as odd?

* How might this request be seen as a continuation of Israel’s continuing rejection of God since the Exodus?

* Why might God tell Samuel to “warn them (the elders and all Israel)”?

* What is disturbing about the six items identified by Samuel as the traits of future kings in Israel? Do you think these traits were demonstrated by future kings or rulers in Israel?

* Do you think the one-tenth that will be taken by the king is in place of or in addition to the tithes that the people were supposed to give to God through the priests? Why might this be an issue to the people and to God?

* Why might the Israelites be so determined that they were willing to reject God’s leadership, even when they had been warned by Samuel?

* Do you think the king would, in fact, “govern us, go out before us, and fight our battles” as the elders propose in verse 20?

* Why might Samuel have told the Israelites to go to Gilgal to renew the kingship?

* What might be an issue with the Israelites sacrificing before the Lord?

* How do we demand “kings like the nations around us” today?

* What is the application of this passage to our community life at St. John’s?

Trinity Sunday - check in and sermon

Happy Trinity Sunday! Greeting from the first Sunday after Pentecost and in June. The church is faring well, even with 5+ inches of rain in the past 2 weeks. We are trying some new things in worship and we have had good feedback on the new hymns, songs, and service music settings. We looked at the Trinity and what an event that stood religion on it's head means to us today in practical terms. Today's sermon entitled "The Trinity and how it changes us" is attached. Comments and likes are encouraged.

Les+

http://chirb.it/4LfIcy