St. John's e-News for Sunday November 4, 2012

Daylight Savings Time ends – Remember to fall back an hour this Saturday night into Sunday morning.

 

Genieve Shelter – The next ingathering for the Genieve Shelter will occur Sunday November 4. For more information about items needed contact Leone Vigil.

 

Election Day – Our next National and General Election will occur Tuesday November 6. On that day all are invited to hold our nation, its public servants, its military, and all standing for election in prayer. We will intentionally hold the political process in vigil beginning with Morning Prayer at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. All are invited to devote time for prayer during the day. Additionally, we will hold a community Eucharist at 12:00 noon in honor of the political process of the day. Please feel free to join in holding our nation in prayer and join us in solidarity in worship on that day.

 

Stewardship – A Prayer for the Right Use of God’s Gifts (BCP p. 827)

Almighty God, whose loving hand has given us all that we possess: Grant us grace that we may honor you with our substance, and, remembering the account which we must one day give, may be faithful stewards of your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

______________________________________________________________

November 4, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the 23^rd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 26)

First Lesson:  Ruth 1:1-18

Psalm:  146

Second Lesson:  Hebrews 9:11-14

Gospel:  Mark 12:28-34

 

Lay Participants for November 4, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Kathy

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Gary and Lynn

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  Anne

 

Refreshments:  Marlene

 

Sermon for Sunday, Oct 28: http://chirb.it/zqyPE5

______________________________________________________________

Fall Working Party – The a fall working party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday November 17 to help sort and identify items for disposal that have been found in various locations in the Parish House and to winterize the church yard. The date is subject to change and may occur earlier but plan on the clean up happening no later than November 17. 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.

 

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 14^th annual food giveaway. For more information see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House.

 

Growth Suggestions – If you have any ideas, suggestions, or recommendations concerning the Growth of St. John’s please place them in the foil covered box labels “Growth” located on the usher’s table in the Narthex.  There is a pen and paper in the box.  These will be reviewed at the next vestry meeting.

 

Our Thanksgivings – We are collecting tangible statements regarding our blessings and thanksgivings in the jar in the Narthex.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study continues its study of “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy. We will begin our study of the book of Job this coming Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall. If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Ruth 1:1-18 “Elimelech’s Family Goes to Moab” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Ruth 3:1—4:22 “Ruth and Boaz at the Threshing Floor,” “The Marriage of Boaz and Ruth,” and “The Genealogy of David.” 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 146 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 680, “O God, our help in ages past” (St. Anne) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

At Communion – All are welcome to come to the Lord’s Table and all receive the benefits of the Sacrament whether they receive either the bread or wine; both the bread and wine; neither the bread nor wine; or simply a blessing by the priest. To receive the bread, offer your prominently raised hands to the priest so the priest can easily place the bread on the palm of your hand. You can receive the wine either individually or by dipping (intincting) the bread in the chalice; if you wish to receive the chalice, please guide it to your lips. If you desire a blessing as opposed to the elements simply cross your arms across your chest and the priest will bless you. After you have received the Bread and the Wine or the blessing, it is appropriate to say "AMEN."

 

Thought for the week – Revelation: If divine revelation can even come through a lowly thorn bush, then surely through another person, created in the image of God, and all the more likely if they are a stranger to us, a stranger to be welcomed into our life, into our heart.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

Daily Mon.-Thu.    * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)

Thu. Nov. 1^st         * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Sanctuary)

Sat. Nov. 3^rd         * Holiday Craft Fair – Lake Prince Woods 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sun. Nov. 4^th         * Daylight Savings Time ends

                             *All Saints Sunday

                             * Rector’s Discretionary Fund Sunday

Tue. Nov. 6^th         * Election Day

                             * 9:00 am Election Day Prayer Vigil

                             * 12:00 pm Election Day Community Eucharist

Thu. Nov. 8^th         * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Nov. 10^th        * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Nov. 12^th        * Veteran’s Day Holiday – Office Closed

                             * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Wed. Nov. 14^th       * Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Garden Club – 12:00-9:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Nov. 15^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. Nov. 18^th        * Pledge cards and letters distributed

                             * Community Thanksgiving Service – 7:00-9:00 pm (Oakland

                             Christian UCC)

____________________________________________________________

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, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Steve, Morse, Carolyn, Jonathan, Charles, and the family of Carter.

 

Deceased Carter

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

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Anne

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Robert & Margaret Huffman.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Bermuda & The Rt. Rev. Dr. Patrick White.

 

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in Celebration of our Grandchildren Dylan & Brady by Marcella & Don.

 

Birthdays in November

Bev 03                         Diane 04

Doug 11                      Eddie 13

Steven 16                    Kathy 28

Laura 28                      Dotty 29

 

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 November 4; Ruth 1:1-18; Elimelech's Family Goes to Moab and Naomi and Her Moabite Daughters-in-Law

Nov 4, 2012, 23 Pentecost

Ruth 1:1-18

Elimelech’s Family Goes to Moab

Naomi and Her Moabite Daughters-in-Law

 

Background: The book of Ruth falls in the division of the Hebrew Bible entitled the Writings. It is one of the five scrolls normally read during the spring festival of the Weeks (Shavuot). The book of Ruth is iconic because the heroine is a non-Israeli woman, and a Moabite (one of the more disliked nations by the nation of Israel). The book of Ruth helps add definition to the story of God’s loving kindness (hesed).

 

Theme: This passage introduces the principle characters in this book: Naomi and Ruth. The writer describes the bleak conditions in the nation of Israel; partly by describing the famine in the nation as well as the plight of two women in Israel and the surrounding countryside. The writer helps define the boundaries or lack of boundaries to God’s loving kindness.

 

Questions to Ponder

* Briefly describe the setting of this book: most likely when was it written, what was the political setting in Israel, what was the religious setting for the Israelites, and who was in charge?

* Briefly identify the Moabites, the location of Moab and Bethlehem. What might the significance of Moab and the Moabites be in this story?

* The name “Bethlehem” means house of bread. What is ironic about the name of Naomi’s home given the context of the book?

* Naomi’s husband is named Elimelech, Eli may refer to God and melech means king in Hebrew. How might his name influence the dignity given to Naomi?

* The names of Naomi’s sons are translated to “sickness” (Mahlon) and “destruction” (Chilion). What might be the reason for those names in this story? How might that information impact our understanding of the ensuing story?

* What would be unnatural about two Israelite men marrying Moabite women? Given the prescriptions of the Torah would that have been allowed?

* What might make the story even more dramatic given the death of Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion? What might have been the impact on Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah?

* Why might Naomi have sent her daughter-in-laws back to their families, specifically to their mother’s households?

* For what reason would Naomi believe Ruth and Orpah would marry her sons even if she had them?

* Who do you think showed greater respect for Naomi, Ruth or Orpah? What made them more respectful?

* Given the period this story was written and the exclusivist attitude in Israel what might be the “story behind the story” in the first chapter of Ruth? Why would that story be important in the life of Old Testament Israel?

* What is the story of hope inside the opening passage of Ruth?

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

Reflection for Sunday October 28, 2012

Our prayers are with those who are being affected by Hurricane Sandy - whether already or in the days to come. It has been a rainy but relatively wind-free day in Chuckatuck - not completely but calm enough. This weekend was a blessing for us with many events; the first annual Chuckatuck Founders Day was a highlight yesterday. We also celebrated the life of Mr. William A. Potter, the son-in-law of Eddie Cotten. It was a wonderful celebration of his life and the joy he brought to those who he met.

This morning many braved the rain and winds and came to church. Worship was well attended and a true joy. We started wrapping up our reflection of Job and being healed and took a look at Bartimaeus and how his act of faith serves an encouragement for us and the reminder that it is "Our faith makes us whole and heals us." Through our healing we are urged to God's ministry. I invite your comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/zqyPE5

St. John's e-News for Sunday October 28, 2012

Licensed Lay Volunteers – All are invited to consider how you can help facilitate our worship experience. There are positions in worship that are routinely filled by lay people; in order to share the wealth in this ministry we could use new participants. Some functions require licensing while most do not. And as we reviewed the licensed lay participant roster there are some positions that could use some more volunteers. We only have 1 licensed Worship Leader, Marlene; 3 licensed Eucharistic Visitors (those who can take Eucharist to shut ins), Anne and Leone are licensed through 2013 and Mary Margaret is licensed through the end of the year; and 4 active Chalicists, Terry, Mary Margaret, Jim, and Leone. If you are interested in becoming a lay minister can be obtained from the Rector.

 

Visitors and newcomers – We welcomed Tony and his son Tony in worship along with Marvetta October 21. Make sure you greet them when you see them.

 

Stewardship – A Prayer of Self-dedication (BCP p. 832)

Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

AMEN

______________________________________________________________

October 28, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the 22^nd Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25)

First Lesson:  Job 42:1-6, 10-17

Psalm:  34:1-8, 19-22

Second Lesson:  Hebrews 7:23-28

Gospel:  Mark 10:46-52

 

Lay Participants for October 28, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Lynn and Leone

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  Laura

 

Refreshments:  No one has volunteered

 

Sermon for Sunday, Oct 21: http://chirb.it/5L15kz

______________________________________________________________

Election Day – Our next National and General Election will occur Tuesday November 6. On that day all are invited to hold our nation, its public servants, its military, and all standing for election in prayer. We will intentionally hold the political process in vigil beginning with Morning Prayer at 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. All are invited to devote time for prayer during the day. Additionally, we will hold a community Eucharist at 12:00 noon in honor of the political process of the day. Please feel free to join in holding our nation in prayer and join us in solidarity in worship on that day.

 

Fall Working Party – The a fall working party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday November 17 to help sort and identify items for disposal that have been found in various locations in the Parish House and to winterize the church yard. The date is subject to change and may occur earlier but plan on the clean up happening no later than November 17. 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.

 

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 14^th annual food giveaway. For more information see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study continues its study of “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy. We will begin our study of the book of Job this coming Wednesday at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall. If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Genieve Shelter – The next ingathering for the Genieve Shelter will occur Sunday November 4. For more information about items needed contact Leone Vigil.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Job 42:1-17 “Job Is Humbled and Satisfied” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Ruth 1:1-18 “Elimelech’s Family Goes to Moab.” 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 34:1-8, 19-22 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 11, “Awake, my soul” (Morning Hymn) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

At Communion – All are welcome to come to the Lord’s Table and all receive the benefits of the Sacrament whether they receive either the bread or wine; both the bread and wine; neither the bread nor wine; or simply a blessing by the priest. To receive the bread, offer your prominently raised hands to the priest so the priest can easily place the bread on the palm of your hand. You can receive the wine either individually or by dipping (intincting) the bread in the chalice; if you wish to receive the chalice, please guide it to your lips. If you desire a blessing as opposed to the elements simply cross your arms across your chest and the priest will bless you. After you have received the Bread and the Wine or the blessing, it is appropriate to say "AMEN."

 

Thought for the week – Stewardship: You might want to take a tour through your home and intentionally acknowledge your stewardship of the material things to which you’ve been entrusted. That you belong to God, and these things belong to God, and that when God is ready to redistribute these things, you stand ready, not reluctant, but ready, by God’s grace, to give it up.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

Daily Mon.-Thu.      * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)

Thu. Oct. 25^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Oct. 27^th        * Bishop’s Day for Parish Leaders (East) – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             Emmanuel Virginia Beach

                             *Greater Chuckatuck Historic Foundation Founder’s Day

                             Celebration – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

                             * Graveside Service for Mr. William Potter Jr. – 2:00 pm

Thu. Nov. 1^st          * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Sanctuary)

Sat. Nov. 3^rd         * Holiday Craft Fair – Lake Prince Woods 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Sun. Nov. 4^th         * Daylight Savings Time ends

                             *All Saints Sunday

                             * Rector’s Discretionary Fund Sunday

Tue. Nov. 6^th         * Election Day

                             * 9:00 am Election Day Prayer Vigil

                             * 12:00 pm Election Day Community Eucharist

Thu. Nov. 8^th         * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Nov. 10^th        * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Nov. 12^th       * Veteran’s Day Holiday – Office Closed

                             * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Wed. Nov. 14^th      * Wednesday Morning Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Garden Club – 12:00-9:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Nov. 15^th       * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. Nov. 18^th        * Pledge cards and letters distributed

                             * Community Thanksgiving Service – 7:00-9:00 pm (Oakland

                             Christian UCC)

____________________________________________________________

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, Steve, Morse, Carolyn, Jonathan, the family of April, and Charles.

 

Deceased William Potter, Jr.

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

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Landy & Randy

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Very Rev. Shirley & Rev Earnest Smith Graham.

 

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of Cuba.

 

Flowers are given to the Glory of God in Memory of Pearl D. Lewis, our mother, by Bette & Bob.

 

Birthdays in October

Charles 09                   Lindsay 10

Sharon 20                    Marvin 20

Rusty 27                      Worth 27

Terry 30

 

Birthdays in November

Bev 03                         Diane 04

Doug 11                      Eddie 13

Steven 16                    Kathy 28

Laura 28                      Dotty 29

 

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

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