Greetings friends and visitors, it was another blessed day in Chuckatuck. We had a good turnout and were blessed to have a couple young parishioners in worship today. It is always a blessing to have their energy in the room and it is infectious. I bet you can hear them in the midst of the sermon and I hope it isn't too distracting.
We took a look at the comparison and contrast between the personality of Esther and James. Each makes up a part of a faithful follower of Christ, each equally important - one who waits and listens for God's call and direction and one that takes action to bring about the reign of God on earth. A challenging thing to think about and I'm not sure I can provide more than reflection questions. However, I invite your comments.
Les+
http://chirb.it/qDbsnM
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
St. John's e-News for Sunday September 30, 2012
Rector and Don’s Absence
– The Rector will be away
October 4-9 while serving as a Spiritual Director for a retreat October 4-7.
For Pastoral emergencies please contact the Senior Warden, Leone Vigil, at
651-3681. Rev. Ron Spangenberg will be our supply Priest on Sunday
October 7.
Don will be away October 4-10 but expects to return to the
office Thursday the 11th.
This Saturday
September 29 – Two events will take
place in Chuckatuck the 29th. From 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, the G. F. W.
C. Junto Women’s Club will hold their annual Flea Market at Wesley Chapel.
Later that afternoon, the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department will hold their
semi-annual Fish Fry from 4:00-7:00 pm. Please come out and support these two
worthwhile organizations.
Stewardship – Blessed are you, God of the Universe, for the
abundance you have showered on each of us. It is enough, and more than enough.
Make our hearts glad, open our hands, and let us see through eyes of blessing.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori
When you think about
stewardship do you predominately think about money? What is your personal
definition of stewardship? What is our Parish’s definition of Stewardship?
______________________________________________________________
September 30, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Rite II – Pastoral Care Sunday
Lessons for the 18th
Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)
First Lesson: Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Psalm: 124
Second Lesson: James 3:13-20
Gospel: Mark
9:38-50
Lay Participants for September
30, 2012 - 10:30 am service
Eucharistic
Minister: Jim
Lector: Ben
Prayers: Marlene
Ushers: Gary and David
Nursery Attendant: Kayla
Nursery Assistant: Leone
Refreshments: No one has signed up
______________________________________________________________
Parish Fundraiser – The Vestry has decided to postpone the
proposed fundraiser until the spring (or later) to allow for more complete
definition of the event and who will provide what support. If anyone would like
to be involved with the planning to include what will be done; where will the
“stuff” come from; what will it cost; etc. please contact the Rector or one of the
Vestry members.
Upcoming Community
Events – There are 2 events on
the calendar for November that may be of interest for our Parish.
(1) On Sunday November 11, from 1-7 pm Wesley
Chapel, Oakland Christian, and St. John’s Church; the Chuckatuck and Possum
Hollow Ruritan Clubs; the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department; and other civic
organizations will host a buffet dinner. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or
Parish House for more information and locations to purchase tickets.
(2) On Saturday November 17, from 9-11 am Impact
Suffolk will be holding its 14th annual food giveaway. For more
information see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House.
Wednesday Morning Book
Study – The
Wednesday morning book study reconvened September 25th with its
study of “The Bible that Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy. We will continue the
study every Wednesday until the end of December at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall.
If you are interested please contact Margaret.
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 Church in 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.
Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old
Testament reading Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 “Haman’s Downfall and Mordecai’s
Advancement” and “ Destruction of the Enemies of the Jews” from
9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will
discuss our Old Testament reading Job 1:1; 2:1-10 “Job and His Family” and “Attack
on Job’s Health.” 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 124 together. The Psalm will
be set to Hymn 674, “Forgive our sins as we forgive” (Detroit)
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.
Fall Working Party – There will be a fall working party to help sort
and identify items for disposal that have been found in various locations in
the Parish House. So far we have a couple volunteers who are willing to help
sort and dispose; if you would like to help please contact the Rector.
Thought
for the week – Intimacy: [We know that] God knows everything about us – every thought we
have had, every word we have spoken, every feeling we have felt, every thing we
have done or left undone – and God has known this from the very beginning of
our lives. Nothing is hidden from God.
-Br. David
Vryhof
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming
Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu. *
Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Wed. Sep. 26th *
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
Thu. Sep. 27th *
St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 29th *
5th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
*
G. F. C. W. Junto Women’s Club Flea Market – Wesley Chapel
8:00
am – 2:00 pm
*
Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry
4:00-7:00
pm
Sun. Sep. 30th *
5th Sunday Pastoral Care Sunday
Wed. Oct. 3rd *
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
Thu. Oct. 4th * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm
(Choir Room)
Sun. Oct. 7th *
Discretionary Fund Sunday
Mon. Oct. 8th *
Columbus Day Holiday (office closed)
*
Vestry Meeting – 7:00-9:00 pm (Parish House)
Wed. Oct. 10th *
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
Thu. Oct. 11th *
St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Sanctuary)
Sat. Oct. 13th *
James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish House)
Mon. Oct. 15th *
G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(Parish
Hall)
Tue. Oct. 16th *
CAPS Board of Directors meeting – 3:00-4:30 pm (WRPC)
Wed. Oct. 17th *
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
Thu. Oct. 18th *
St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Wed. Oct. 24th *
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
Thu. Oct. 25th *
St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Oct. 27th *Greater
Chuckatuck Historic Foundation Founder’s Day
Celebration
*
Bishop’s Day for Parish Leaders (East) – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Emmanuel
Virginia Beach
____________________________________________________________
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/
Coalition
Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) http://www.capsuffolk.com
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, Steve, Morse, and Scot.
Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan, Elizabeth,
Dane, and Patrick
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Dr. Arthur
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Allan & Karen Wentt; The Rev. David &
Sherran Lassalle; The Rev. James W. Browder, III.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Most Rev. Dr. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales &
Bishop of Llandaff.
Flowers are given to the Glory of God
and in memory of Connie McKeown by Joe and Mary-Margaret.
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
Anniversaries in October
Les & Kathy 01 Pretlow & Mary Kemple 04
Burr & Jen 08
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
Monday, September 24, 2012
Christian Formation for Sunday, September 30 - Esther 7:1-10, 9:20-22; Haman, Mordecai, and Purim
ST. JOHN’S
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION
Sundays 9:15 am to
10:15 am
September 30, 2012, 18 Pentecost
Esther 7:1-10; 9:20-22
Haman’s Downfall and Mordecai’s Advancement
The Feast of Purim Inaugurated
Background: The story of Esther is the story of one
the greatest threat to the survival of the Jewish people. The book of Esther is
less a historical narrative and more a commentary on the truth that God is
intimately concerned with Israel’s survival. Additionally, and possibly more
importantly, the book recounts the origin of the festival of Purim.
Theme: Before this passage Esther has become a wife
of Xerxes (another name for the Persian king Ahasuerus) and later his queen.
The people of Israel have been subjugated and their annihilation has been plotted
by Haman, starting with Mordecai. It could be argued that Haman’s dislike of
the Jews stems from his lack of self-respect and an inferiority complex.
Questions to Ponder
* Please read the entirety of Esther 7:1-10 and skim the
portion of Esther from 7:11-9:19 for background and continuity.
* While this passage may not be a historical narrative,
describe the setting of the book and passage; the social, political, and
religious setting in Israel.
* What is ironic about the book of Esther from a social and
religious standpoint? How does the presentation of the principle characters
match with your understanding of Jewish society?
* Why might Esther ultimately accuse Haman of plotting to
destroy all the Jews?
* Where else has the theme of making rash promises, “even to
half of my kingdom” by people who are drunk on wine appeared in scripture? What
might the significance be regarding this theme in the broader discussion of the
survival of Judaism (and Christianity by extension)?
* Why might Esther accuse “someone” of selling “her people”
to be “destroyed, killed, and annihilated”? Where might this accusation stem
from? Who are the accused seller and buyer?
* What stands out about Esther’s accusation against Haman?
* Why do you think the king departed from the room in verse
7?
* Do you think Haman was assaulting Esther when Xerxes
returned or do you think Xerxes was looking for an excuse to get rid of Haman?
* Why would Haman’s face be covered when he departs from the
presence of Xerxes?
* Do you think it’s a coincidence that the King’s eunuch is
there to point out the gallows that Haman had built to kill Mordecai? Why or
why not?
* What do you find ironic about the use of Haman’s gallows
for his own destruction?
* Why might there be a delay between the king’s new edict
and the festival in Adar (about 9 months)?
* What is significant about the festival celebrated on Adar
14 and 15? What does the festival in honor of?
* How might this passage be a reflection of God’s love for humanity
in the present day given the difference in circumstances?
* What applications can we draw from this passage?
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Sermon for Sunday September 23, 2012
Greetings from the tail end of September. We pray you have had a good week, this past week was rewarding for St. John's and its growning community connections. We were awarded a Seeds of Hope grant from the Diocese of Southern Virginia for the Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk. It will be useful to the group and a blessing from the Diocese to make a difference in Suffolk.
We had a nice turnout this morning and spent more time exploring our relationship with God. We looked at stereotypes and how they impact our relationships. But we didn't look at all our potential stereotypes but the one that addresses our fear to ask God the uestions that God is willing and able to answer. Today's sermon is attached and is entitled "our relationship with God and wondering why we are afraid to ask God for assistance." Your comments are appreciated.
Les+
http://chirb.it/4G00wa
We had a nice turnout this morning and spent more time exploring our relationship with God. We looked at stereotypes and how they impact our relationships. But we didn't look at all our potential stereotypes but the one that addresses our fear to ask God the uestions that God is willing and able to answer. Today's sermon is attached and is entitled "our relationship with God and wondering why we are afraid to ask God for assistance." Your comments are appreciated.
Les+
http://chirb.it/4G00wa
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
St. John's e-News for Sunday September 23, 2012
Parish Fundraiser – The Vestry has decided to postpone the proposed
fundraiser until the spring (or later) to allow for more complete definition of
the event and who will provide what support. If anyone would like to be involved
with the planning to include what will be done; where will the “stuff” come
from; what will it cost; etc. please contact the Rector or one of the Vestry
members.
Stewardship – As we look at stewardship of the blessings we
have received we hope to help our Parish and our community understand and
believe that:
†
God loves us and wants us to have all that we need to live a
joyful and productive life.
†
All that we are and all that we have are gifts from God.
†
Regularly giving of our time, abilities, energy, and money is a
spiritual practice.
†
Tithing is an important spiritual practice. It helps establish a
healthy regard for money. It helps us to live the life God hopes we will have.
The Episcopal Church Website, A Working Definition of Stewardship
Page
______________________________________________________________
September 23, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Rite II
Lessons for the 17th
Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)
First Lesson: Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm: 1
Second Lesson: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Gospel: Mark
9:30-37
Lay Participants for September
23, 2012 - 10:30 am service
Eucharistic
Minister: Jim
Lector: Kevin
Prayers: Terry
Ushers: Nick and Tina
Nursery Attendant: Kayla
Nursery Assistant: Anne
Refreshments: Marcella
______________________________________________________________
Liturgy Planning – The
Liturgy Planning team will meet today following service in the Parish Hall.
Upcoming Community
Events – There are 2 events on
the calendar for November that may be of interest for our Parish.
(1) On Sunday November 11, from 1-7 pm Wesley
Chapel, Oakland Christian, and St. John’s Church; the Chuckatuck and Possum
Hollow Ruritan Clubs; the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department; and other civic
organizations will host a buffet dinner. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or
Parish House for more information and locations to purchase tickets.
(2) On Saturday November 17, from 9-11 am Impact
Suffolk will be holding its 14th annual food giveaway. For more
information see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House.
Diocesan Newsletter – The September-October edition of the Diocesan
Connection Newsletter can be downloaded at: http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/SeptOct2012DiocesanConnection.pdf.
Or you can contact the Rector or church office to receive a paper copy of the
Newsletter.
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 Church in 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.
Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old
Testament reading Proverbs 31:10-31 “Ode to a Capable Wife” from
9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will
discuss our Old Testament reading Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22 “Haman’s Downfall
and Mordecai’s Advancement” and “ Destruction of the Enemies of the Jews.” 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 1 together. The Psalm will
be set to Hymn 377, “All people that on earth do dwell” (Old
Hundredth) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a
bulletin insert.
Chuckatuck
VFD Fish Fry – The
fire department’s semi-annual fund raiser fish fry will be held Saturday,
September 29th from 4-7 P.M. Please come and help them raise funds
to support the only wholly volunteer squad in Suffolk.
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.
Fall Working Party – There will be a fall working party to help sort
and identify items for disposal that have been found in various locations in
the Parish House. So far we have a couple volunteers who are willing to help
sort and dispose; if you would like to help please contact the Rector.
Thought
for the week – Dignity: We are human beings created in the image and likeness of God and
therefore are vested with an inherent dignity. It is that dignity that the vow
of obedience and the virtue of wisdom that comes from listening before acting
invites us to pay attention to.
-Br. James
Koester
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming
Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu. *
Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Sep. 20th *
St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sun. Sep. 23rd *
Liturgy Planning Team meeting (Parish House)
Wed. Sep. 26th *
Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
Thu. Sep. 27th *
St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 29th *
5th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
*
Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry
4:00-7:00
pm
Sun. Sep. 30th *
5th Sunday Pastoral Care Sunday
Sun. Oct. 7th *
Discretionary Fund Sunday
Mon. Oct. 8th *
Columbus Day Holiday (office closed)
Sat. Oct. 13th *
James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish House)
Mon. Oct. 15th *
G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
(Parish
Hall)
Tue. Oct. 16th *
CAPS Board of Directors meeting – 3:00-4:30 pm (WRPC)
Sat. Oct. 27th *Greater
Chuckatuck Historic Foundation Founder’s Day
Celebration
*
Bishop’s Day for Parish Leaders (East) – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Emmanuel
Virginia Beach
____________________________________________________________
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/
Coalition
Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) http://www.capsuffolk.com
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, Steve, and Morse.
Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan, Elizabeth,
Dane, and Patrick
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Alva
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Raymond & Muni Nelson; The Rev. Robert &
Marian New.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Church in the USA, The Most Rev. Dr.
Katharine Jefferts Schori; The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church.
Flowers are given to the Glory of God and
in memory of Connie by Joe and Mary-Margaret.
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
Follow us on Facebook:
St. John’s Episcopal
Church, Suffolk VA
https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854
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