St. John's e-News for Sunday September 2, 2012

Stewardship – We don’t choose to be stewards any more than we choose to be born; stewardship is part of our identity. Our only choice is what kind of stewards we will be. A faithful steward knows that what is entrusted belongs to another, and must be used for the good of all. Our faithful stewardship is rooted in the awe and gratitude of God’s stance toward us – a stance of blessing and abundance.

• What does it mean to you to serve as a Steward in God’s im­age?

• How do you value your own blessedness and the blessed­ness of others?

• What risks are you willing to take to live into your call to be a blessing to others?

The Right Rev. Catherine (Cate) Waynick, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis

Christian Formation Offerings – We are looking for a couple people who are willing to have a conversation with me and Canon Caroline Black regarding the Christian Formation offerings for our coming program year. If you are interested in helping chart our course (not specifically teaching but gathering ideas) please contact the Rector.

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September 2, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17)
First Lesson:  Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm:  45:1-2, 7-10
Second Lesson:  James 1:17-27
Gospel:  Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Lay Participants for September 2, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Fred and Marcella
Nursery Attendant:  Kayla
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments:  Tina

Sermon for Sunday, Aug. 26: http://chirb.it/FrPJAD

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Parish Office holiday closing – The parish office will be closed Monday September 3 for Labor Day. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday.

Bishop’s Days for Parish Leaders – This year’s topic will be “Enlivening Our Faith for Generations to Come” and will be held October 27 at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach. This event is NOT just for Vestry members or Wardens but is intended for parish leaders. Bishop's Days will offer 14 workshops from which to choose. For complete information about workshops, schedule, registration and a brochure you can download see the Diocesan Website at http://diosova.org.

St. John Singers – A special thank you to the members of the Saint John Singers for their inaugural offering last Sunday. If you weren’t at the service to hear it you missed a fine presentation. We thank you Roger for his leadership; and Terry, Kathy, Steven, Susan, Alice, Fred, Leone, and Fr. Les for their addition to our worship.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Song of Solomon 2:8-13, “Springtime Rhapsody” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; “Wise sayings of Solomon.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

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 45:1-2, 7-10 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 493, “O for a thousand tongues to sing!” (Azmon) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Thanksgiving Jar – I hear you ask, “What is that neat jar in the Narthex for?” We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives; personally, as a church, and as a community; sometimes we lose sight of those blessings. Parishioners are encouraged to bring or place a brief note about their blessings in the jar in the Narthex and at the end of each month we will offer the jar in our offering and at the end of the year we will review the many blessings we have as a church.

Thought for the week – Discipleship: Discipleship is not an insurance policy against grief or heart-ache or injustice. It is not a buffer to sorrow and disappointment. It is, in fact, something better–an assurance that God has entered fully into the suffering of this world and our lives and is there with us and for us.

-Br. Kevin Hackett

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:
Thu. Aug. 30^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 1^st           * Parish Hall reserved for event
Sun. Sep. 2^nd          * Rector’s Discretionary Fund Sunday
Mon. Sep. 3^rd         * Labor Day – Parish Office Closed
Thu. Sep. 6^th                   * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 8^th                   * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Sep 9^th           * Grandparent’s Day
Mon. Sep. 10^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Tue. Sep. 11^th         * CAPS Services Coordinator Reception – 7:00 pm (WRPC)
Thu. Sep. 13^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Mon. Sep. 17^th        * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
                             (Parish Hall)
Thu. Sep. 20^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Thu. Sep. 27^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 29^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
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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, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Hallie, Bette, and Don.

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Elizabeth, and Dane

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Juanita
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Anna Scherer.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Church of the Sudan; The Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Deng Bul Yak, Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan & Bishop of Juba.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of her parents Leo and Sylvena and the parents of Gib, Gibson and Peggy, by Leone.

Birthdays in September

Bette 03                      Lizzie 10
Carroll 11                    Dane 13
Roger 14                     Bob 15
Elizabeth 16                Allen 17

Anniversaries in September

Charles & Lynn 01      Clare & Steve 03
Perk & G. Lee 11

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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