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

Poinsettias - It is time to place your order for the Christmas poinsettias. The order form is included in the bulletin. The deadline for getting your order in is Dec 16^th. Additional order forms will be in the Narthex on the usher’s table.

 

Community Outreach Meeting – The committee will be having a meeting on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 in the Parish Hall from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. We will be completing 2012 and planning for 2013.

 

Vestry Election and Fall Potluck – The election will take place following worship on Dec 2 in the sanctuary. Make sure you vote for your new vestry members.

          The fall luncheon will take place following the vestry election on Dec 2 in the parish hall. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex. Please sign-up to bring something.

______________________________________________________________

December 2, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the First Sunday Advent

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm:  Psalm 25:1-9

Second Lesson:  1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Gospel:  Luke 21:25-36

 

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Kevin

Prayers:  Leone

Ushers:  Gary and David

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

 

Refreshments:  Parish Potluck

 

Sermon for Sunday, Nov. 25: http://chirb.it/qA1y8x

______________________________________________________________

2013 Pledge Drive – St. John’s 2013 pledge drive is on, pledge cards and a written narrative should have been received. We would like to have all pledge cards in hand no later than Sunday, December 9, to allow the Vestry to make final decisions about the coming fiscal year. In essence, we anticipate expenses to be approximately equal to this year, approximately $105,000. More details will be available Sunday.

 

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.

 

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

 

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 will take a break until after the New Year. The next meeting will be held January 16 and will include a luncheon. When the group returns it will pick up the study of “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy in the chapter on the Psalms. If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 33:14-16, “The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Baruch 5:1-9, “Jerusalem Is Assured of Help.” 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 25:1-9 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 609, “Where cross the crowded ways of life” (Gardiner/Germany) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Thought for the week – Compassion: In the presence of suffering, listen more, say less.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Wed. Nov. 28^th      * Community Outreach Meeting – 7:00 – 8:30 (Parish Hall)

Sun. Dec. 2^nd         * Annual Vestry Election and Winter Potluck Luncheon –

                             following worship (Parish House)

Tue. Dec. 4^th         * CAPS Executive Board meeting - 2:00 pm (Parlor)

Fri. Dec. 7^th           * Parish Hall in use through Sat. Dec. 8^th

Sun. Dec. 9^th         * Pledge ingathering

Mon. Dec. 10^th        * Janitorial service shift

                             * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Parlor)

Mon. Dec. 17^th       * G.F.C.W Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Parish

                             House)

Sat. Dec. 15^th        * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Parish

                             House)

Sun. Dec. 23^rd       * Greening of the Church and Parish Soup luncheon

Mon. Dec. 24^th      * Christmas Eve “Midnight” Festive Eucharist – 9:00 carol sing,

                             9:30 worship.

Sat. Dec. 29^th       * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army

Sun. Dec. 30^th       * Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols

____________________________________________________________

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.

 

Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Faye and family, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Charles, Barbara, Tina MacManus, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Steve, Morse, Carolyn, Jonathan, Charles, and Kathy.

 

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

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Martha

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach.

 

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Kebbi - (Kaduna, Nigeria); The Most Rev. Edmund Akanya.

 

Birthdays in November

Kathy 28                     Laura 28                      Dotty 29

 

Birthdays in December

Marcella 02                 Gary 08

Rev. Les 08                 John 14

Burr 18                        Nansi 18

Kevin 19                     Jim 19

Will 28                        Suze 30

Donald 30

 

Anniversaries in December

Bette & Bob 03                       Marcella & Don 17

Dotty & Shannon 20               Elizabeth & John 28

Suze & Steven 30                   Tina & Nick 31

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,

Please call Father Ferguson.

Cell:  757-418-0063

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

e-mail: rogerpeyton1945@gmail.com

 

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

Follow us on Facebook:

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Christian Formation for Sunday December 2; Jeremiah 33:14-16; The Righteous and the Covenant with David

Dec 2, 2012, Advent 1

Jeremiah 33:14-16

The Righteous and the Covenant with David

 

Background: Jeremiah is considered one of the Major Prophets in the Hebrew bible. Jeremiah was considered a prophet whose responsibility was to inform or remind the Israelites why they were being oppressed by outsiders, their wanton sin. Historically, Jeremiah was supposedly harassed and beaten by his brothers and society because he spoke the truth about their evil ways. Jeremiah was unique in the fact he was prophet for three different rulers in his lifetime.

 

Theme: In this passage, Jeremiah tells the Israelites that God will be faithful to the Davidic covenant: a faithful descendent of David would sit on the throne in Israel. It is questionable whether Jeremiah was specifically referring to Jesus but he was most likely referring to one who would be viewed as the messiah of Israel.

 

Questions to Ponder

* Please read all of Jeremiah 33:14-16. Please read Jeremiah 23:5-6 to contrast with Jeremiah 33:14-16. Also read Luke 25:21-36 for comparison and contrast to Jeremiah.

* What is the political situation in this passage: who is in charge politically, religiously, and socially in Israel? In general, how would you describe Israel’s life in the book of Jeremiah?

* Who was Jeremiah? What was his heritage? How does Jeremiah’s heritage put him in a unique place as a prophet in Israel?

* Who do you think is speaking in this passage, especially in the latter portion of 33:14-16 and 23:5-6?

* What do you consider the difference between the different passages? Why might Jeremiah make two statements that are essentially the same “only 10 chapters apart”?

* Supposedly each passage makes reference to a different aspect of Jewish society. How might the intent of the prophecy/oracle differ between chapter 23 and 33?

* For what reason is the Davidic king important to the story of Israel’s life?

* It can be argued that the name given in the final verse, “The Lord is our righteousness” was a reversal of the final king in Israel’s name. What might the “flip-flop” of the name signify to the Israelites?

* Do you think Jeremiah is referring to Jesus?

* What do you think the intent of this passage is? Do you think the passage is one that brings condemnation, provides hope, or something else?

* How might Jeremiah 33 impact the way Christians might view the statements given in Luke?

* What might Jeremiah’s message be for the Jews of his time?

* How might Jeremiah’s message be understood in our society, especially Israel and Christian societies?

* What is the message of hope and application of this passage for us?

Reflection for Sunday November 25, 2012

Happy Christ the King Sunday! We pray everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving and had the ability to spend time with family and loved ones over the holiday. Last Sunday's community celebration was fabulous.

We continued our journey looking at the places and ways that God calls us to do God's work in the world. Today was a day that pointed out the tension in scripture, our lives, and God's presence in the tension of our lives. We explored the ways that we take comfort in God's desire to be in relationship with us and how that helps us work through the tension in our ministry. We will begin our journey in Advent next week and try to continue our examination of our life in tension in the world.

I invite your comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/qA1y8x

St. John's e-News for Sunday November 25, 2012

Vestry Election and Fall Potluck – The election will take place following worship on Dec 2 in the sanctuary. Make sure you vote for your new vestry members.

          The fall luncheon will take place following the vestry election on Dec 2 in the parish hall. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex. Please sign-up to bring something.

 

Community Thanksgiving Service – Thanks to everyone who participated in this annual community event.

 

2013 Pledge Drive – St. John’s 2013 pledge drive is on, pledge cards and a written narrative should have been received. We would like to have all pledge cards in hand no later than Sunday, December 9, to allow the Vestry to make final decisions about the coming fiscal year. In essence, we anticipate expenses to be approximately equal to this year, approximately $105,000. More details will be available Sunday.

______________________________________________________________

November 25, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Last Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 29)

First Lesson:  2 Samuel 23:1-7

Psalm:  Psalm 132

Second Lesson:  Revelation 1:4b-8

Gospel:  18:33-37

 

Lay Participants for November 25, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Mary-Margaret Fisher

Lector:  Suze Kirkpatrick

Prayers:  Marlene Stanton

Ushers:  Steven Kirkpatrick and Marcella Wittenauer

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian Lohli

Nursery Assistant:  Alice Seaman

 

Refreshments:  Steven and Suze Kirkpatrick

 

Sermon for Sunday, Nov. 18: http://chirb.it/N88pnk

 

Sermon for Community Thanksgiving Service: http://chirb.it/zLgMAs

______________________________________________________________

Stewardship – A Prayer for Guidance (BCP p. 832)

O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

AMEN

 

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.

 

Community Outreach Meeting – The committee will be having a meeting on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 in the Parish Hall from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. We will be completing 2012 and planning for 2013.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study continues its study of “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy on November 28. 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 Tankovich.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading 2 Samuel 23:1-7, “The Last Words of David” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 33:14-16, “The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with 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 132 together. The Canticle will be set to Hymn 510, “Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove” (St. Agnes) 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 – Obedience: What God wants from us is the same as what God wants for us. So when God commands, we should listen, because God is not only asking something from us but is also offering to do something for us.

-Br. David Vryhof

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Wed. Nov. 28^th       * Community Outreach Meeting – 7:00 – 8:30 (Parish Hall)

Sun. Dec. 2^nd          * Annual Vestry Election and Winter Potluck Luncheon –

                              following worship (Parish House)

Tue. Dec. 4^th          * CAPS Executive Board meeting - 2:00 pm (Parlor)

Fri. Dec. 7^th           * Parish Hall in use through Sat. Dec. 8^th

Sun. Dec. 9^th          * Pledge ingathering

Mon. Dec. 10^th        * Janitorial service shift

                              * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Parlor)

Mon. Dec. 17^th        * G.F.C.W Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Parish

                             House)

Sat. Dec. 15^th        * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Parish

                             House)

Sun. Dec. 23^rd        * Greening of the Church and Parish Soup luncheon

Mon. Dec. 24^th       * Christmas Eve “Midnight” Festive Eucharist – 9:00 carol sing,

                             9:30 worship.

Sat. Dec. 29^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army

Sun. Dec. 30^th        * Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols

____________________________________________________________

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.

 

Marianne LaFontaine, Meriwether Ball, Allen Conlon, David, Shirley Rhees, Suzanne Voorhies, Janis Gordon, Dominique, Virginia Chambers, Lon Bickham, Faye and family,  Sally, Bill, Heather Burns, Pat Pretlow, Charles Smith, Barbara Griggs, Tina MacManus, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Steve Hawkins, Morse Olin, Carolyn Uanis, Jonathan Dephouse, Charles Wynn, and Kathy Ferguson.

 

Deceased: Gerard Chataigneau

 

Serving in the Armed Forces and Overseas: Bryan Rogers, Elizabeth Tankovich, Dane Fisher, Leon Barrow, and Patrick Madden

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Margaret Lynch

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Dr. Peter & Toni Hogg, Jr.; The Rev. Gregory Hodgson & Sherrill McKay; The Rev. Michael & Sally Murphy. The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach.

 

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Falkland Islands.

 

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in memory of Kevin's mother, Renee Brady, by Kevin & Terry Brady.

 

Birthdays in November

Bev Parker 03                         Diane West 04

Doug Gregory 11                    Eddie Cotten 13

Steven Kirkpatrick 16             Kathy Ferguson 28

Laura Smith 28                       Dotty Cox 29

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care,

Please call Father Ferguson.

Cell:  757-418-0063

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Music Minister Roger Peyton

e-mail: rogerpeyton1945@gmail.com

 

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

Follow us on Facebook:

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA

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