Blessings on this last Sunday in 2012 and the first Sunday after Christmas. It was a blessing to celebrate today because we baptized two new members of the body of Christ - Sarrem and Abbem. It was nice and moving to hear these young men (11 and 7) declare their faith in the saving grace of God in Christ. It was special to celebrate my first baptism in our Church - what a wonderful event for a couple wonderful children.
We looked at the readings from today and how we are being challenged to be a witness of God's love celebrated at Christmas, sharing our vision of Christ in ourselves and Christ among us. I invite your comments.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years,
Les+
http://chirb.it/MqOEc6
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Christian Formation for Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012 - Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Thanksgiving and Restoration in Jerusalem
Dec 30, 2012, 1 Christmas
Isaiah 61:10—62:3
The Good News of Deliverance
The Vindication and Salvation of Zion
Background: This selection comes from a portion of
the book of Isaiah commonly referred to as Third Isaiah which spans from
chapter 56 to 66. Third Isaiah was most likely delivered in Jerusalem to a
mixed community of residents and those who had returned from exile in Babylon;
most likely in the period 538-515 BCE. Today’s reading may be best summed up as
a proclamation of deliverance and the glorification of Zion.
Theme: In this selection, we hear Isaiah lead a
song of celebration and thanksgiving for the deliverance from exile. We also
hear of the renaming of Jerusalem to Zion at the end of the selection. There
are hints of a Thanksgiving liturgy and an adoption celebration in this passage
– possibly highlighting the return of Israel to its proper place as the chosen
people of God; made anew in their sojourn in exile.
Questions to Ponder
* Briefly identify the setting for this passage: what is the
social, political, and religious landscape in Israel that shapes this passage.
* Why might the prophet be singing a song of Thanksgiving to
God in the first portion of this selection?
* What significance might the bride/bridegroom imagery when
discussing Israel and God have for our interpretation of this passage?
* Why might the prophet use images of “the earth bringing
forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what was sown in it to spring up…” to
describe the pending actions of God in Jerusalem?
* What might the significance of renaming Jerusalem to Zion
be? What other stories use the renaming motif in the Old Testament? How are
those passages significant in the recounting of Israel’s history?
* Do you think this passage is a pronouncement of God’s
action or a prayer to God petitioning God to act in the manner described? What
difference would it make if this passage was a pronouncement? What difference
would it make if this passage was a petition?
* Why might the prophet equate Jerusalem/Zion to a “crown of
beauty” in God’s hand?
* Do you think the prophet is making these statements as a
reminder to Israel or God? If these reminders are directed at God, why might
the prophet endeavor to remind God of God’s promise? Would you think it would
be more important to remind the people of God’s promise as opposed to reminding
God of God’s promise?
* How might Israel interpret this prophetic oracle from
Isaiah as good news, especially given their recent history and affliction in
Babylon?
* How might this passage be instrumental in our
understanding of Christmas and the Christmas season?
* What is the good news that this passage brings to us
today?
* How might we share the message of good news in this passage with our
community?
St. John's e-News for Sunday December 30, 2012
Celebration of Holy
Baptism – This Sunday we will celebrate the baptism of two new
members of Christ’s Church: Sarrem and Abbem will be welcomed into Christ’s
family. Roger is Sarrem and Abbem’ sponsor and godfather. Please come and help
us celebrate this festive occasion.
Thank you for all who
helped at Christmas – Again
this year, our Christmas celebration was made especially special by the love
and labor of our entire parish family and friends.
______________________________________________________________
December 30, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Baptism and
Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the First
Sunday after Christmas
First Lesson: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm: Psalm 147
Second Lesson: Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7
Gospel: John
1:1-18
Lay Participants for December
30, 2012 - 10:30 am service
Eucharistic
Minister: Jim
Lector: Fred
Prayers: Marlene
Ushers: Fred and Marlene
Nursery Attendant: Taylor
Nursery Assistant: Lynn
Refreshments: Alice
______________________________________________________________
Thank you – Roger and Kathy and I would like to thank you
from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity in our Christmas presents.
You all went above and beyond the call of duty and we are appreciative of all
the effort you put into the gifts. Slowly and surely, we are working our way
through the baskets.
2013 Pledge Drive – Thank you to all who have turned in your pledge
cards; there is still time to return a pledge for 2013.
Christmas Greetings and
Thank You Cards – There are
a number of Christmas Greetings and Thank you cards in the Narthex. Please stop
and take a look at the cards which are near the clock.
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 Isaiah 61:10—62:3, “The Good News of Deliverance” and “The
Vindication and Salvation of Zion” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament
reading Isaiah 60:1-6, “The Ingathering of the Dispersed.” 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 147 together. The Psalm will
be set to Hymn 615, “Thy kingdom come
on bended knee” (St.
Flavian) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on
a bulletin insert.
Thought
for the week – Emmanuel: Christ brings his influence to bear in our lives not beaming down
from somewhere in the Zodiac, not bearing down from the heights of Mt. Olympus,
but emerging quietly from somewhere within us.
-Br. Mark
Brown
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming
Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu. *
Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Dec. 27th *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room and Sanctuary)
Sat. Dec. 29th *
5th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
Sun. Dec. 30th *
Baptism, Pastoral Care Sunday
Tue. Jan. 1st *
New Years Day – Office Closed
Thu. Jan. 3rd *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 6th *
The Epiphany, Discretionary Sunday
Thu. Jan. 3rd *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sat. Jan. 12th *
James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
House)
Sun. Jan. 13th *
Annual Parish Meeting
Mon. Jan. 14th *
Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Thu. Jan. 16th *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 20th *
Rector Continuing Education – Supply Clergy
Mon. Jan. 21st *
G.F.W.C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
House)
____________________________________________________________
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, 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: Clare & Steve
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach; Mrs. Nanette
Harmon.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Most Rev. Bolly Lapok, Archbishop of South East Asia
& Bishop of Kuching; Assistant Bishop of Kuching - (South East Asia) The Rt.
Rev. Aeries Sumping.
Birthdays in January
Landy 14 Arthur 15
Lynn 15 Marlene 17
Anne 20 Linda 21
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
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Reflection for Christmas Eve 2012
Merry Christmas! It was a wonderful and blessing celebration on Christmas Eve. We had visitors and loved ones who graced our celebration. We opened with a few Carols, two by the choir and the remainder with the congregation. We had a wonderful celebratory Eucharist and even had a sign at the end of the service when the door opened during the singing of Silent Night - and no one was there. I see that as our invitation to go into the world carrying the message of Christ's birth.
We looked at the meaning of Christ's birth through the eyes of the shepherds. As we reflected we realized that Christ was borh and came into the world to people where they needed to see Christ. That fact didn't just happen back then but happens each and every day in our hearts - Christ is born anew each and every day when we look and listen for Christ.
Merry Christmas,
Les+
http://chirb.it/ev7JzN
We looked at the meaning of Christ's birth through the eyes of the shepherds. As we reflected we realized that Christ was borh and came into the world to people where they needed to see Christ. That fact didn't just happen back then but happens each and every day in our hearts - Christ is born anew each and every day when we look and listen for Christ.
Merry Christmas,
Les+
http://chirb.it/ev7JzN
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Reflection and Sermon for Dec. 23, 2012 - Advent 4
Greetings on the last Sunday of Advent. There was a little nip in the air and a few new (at least to me) people in attendance. The "elder" couple had been members in the past and ther daughter, son-in-law, and grand daughter were in the back row. It's always nice to have little ones in church. As is our tradition, we greened the church following service and had a nice "pot luck" (provided by many) luncheon. The church now looks especally festive.
Today we looked at the message of Micah and how God is actve in the world now, not simply in the world of the future at Chrst's second comng. But we saw that tempered by Micah's statement that the true leader would come from the least in Israel. We also asked the question how we know when God is moving in our lives.
I invite your comments and likes.
Les+
http://chirb.it/cqmbwf
Today we looked at the message of Micah and how God is actve in the world now, not simply in the world of the future at Chrst's second comng. But we saw that tempered by Micah's statement that the true leader would come from the least in Israel. We also asked the question how we know when God is moving in our lives.
I invite your comments and likes.
Les+
http://chirb.it/cqmbwf
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
St. John's e-News for Sunday Dec. 23 and Monday Dec. 24
Christmas Eve Worship –
Christmas
Eve is this coming Monday. Our worship festivities will begin
with Carols at 9:00 pm and a Festive Eucharist beginning at 9:30 pm.
Bp.
Hollerith’s Christmas Message – Bishop Hollerith’s Christmas message can be
found as a video (http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDioSoVa)
or hard copy (http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/BpChristmasMsg2012.pdf).
Please take the time to hear or read Bp. Holly’s message.
Greening of the Church –
We
will green the Church immediately following Worship this Sunday, December 23rd. Please bring greens if you have them to
share.
______________________________________________________________
December 23, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Rite II
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday
in Advent
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5a
Psalm: Canticle 15
Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10
Gospel: Luke
1:39-55
Lay Participants for December
23, 2012 - 10:30 am service
Eucharistic
Minister: Jim
Lector: Suze
Prayers: Jim
Ushers: Gary and to be determined
Nursery Attendant: Lillian
Nursery Assistant: Leone
Refreshments: Greening the Church
December 24, 2012, 9:30 pm Festive Holy
Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday
in Advent
First Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm: Psalm 96
Second Lesson: Titus 2:11-14
Gospel: Luke
2:1-20
Lay Participants for December
24, 2012 - 9:30 pm service
Eucharistic
Minister: Mary-Margaret
Lector: Kathy
Prayers: Jim
Ushers: Nick and Tina
______________________________________________________________
Barbara – Barbara and David thank you for your prayers and
well wishes. As Barbara develops her routine for her recovery she will give us
more information about her needs and wishes for visitation and assistance. For
the mean time she thanks you all for your concerns.
2013 Pledge Drive – Thank you to all who have turned in your pledge
cards; there is still time to return a pledge for 2013.
Christmas Greetings and
Thank You Cards – There
are a number of Christmas Greetings and Thank you cards in the Narthex. Please
stop and take a look at the cards which are near the clock.
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 Micah 5:2-5a, “The Ruler of Bethlehem” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament
reading Isaiah 61:10—62:3, “The Good News of Deliverance” and “The Vindication
and Salvation of Zion.” 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 sing Canticle 16 together. The Canticle will be set to Hymn S247,
The Song of Mary (Magnificat)
(Cathedral of the Isles) from The Hymnal 1982.
Thought
for the week – Joy: Joy is a mystery. It’s as mysterious as our suffering. And, I
think, it’s as boundless as our suffering. Somehow, in God’s economy, the one
is creating the space for the other.
-Br. Curtis
Almquist
Society of Saint John the Evangelist
______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming
Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu. *
Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Dec. 20th *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room and Sanctuary)
Sun. Dec. 23rd *
Greening of the Church and Parish Soup luncheon
Mon. Dec. 24th *
Christmas Eve “Midnight” Festive Eucharist – 9:00 carol sing,
9:30
worship.
Tue. Dec. 25th *
Christmas Day – office closed
Thu. Dec. 27th *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room and Sanctuary)
Sat. Dec. 29th *
5th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
Sun. Dec. 30th *
Service of Christmas Lessons and Music, Pastoral Care Sunday
Thu. Jan. 3rd *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 6th *
The Epiphany, Discretionary Sunday
Thu. Jan. 3rd *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sat. Jan. 12th *
James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
House)
Sun. Jan. 13th *
Annual Parish Meeting
Mon. Jan. 14th *
Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Thu. Jan. 16th *
Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)
Sun. Jan. 20th *
Rector Continuing Education – Supply Clergy
Mon. Jan. 21st *
G.F.W.C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
House)
____________________________________________________________
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, 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: Virginia &
Theresa
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach; Mrs.
Stella Bartron.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Francis
Quashie; Koforidua, Ghana.
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
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, December 17, 2012
Christian Formation for Sunday Dec 23; Micah 5:2-5a; The Ruler from Bethlehem
CHRISTIAN
EDUCATION
Dec 23, 2012, 4 Advent
Micah 5:2-5a
The Ruler from Bethlehem
Background: The prophet Micah is the sixth of the 12 Minor
Prophets. It is believed he was a contemporary of Isaiah of Jerusalem (the
person the book of Isaiah is attributed to). Micah was from a small village
near Jerusalem and was most likely prophesying near the fall of the northern
tribes to Assyria. Yet with what is known about Micah there are few records
that identify who Micah was.
Theme: Micah is another of the prophets who provide
oracles of both judgment and hope; the early portion of the book is dedicated
to oracles of judgment while chapters 4 and 5 are oracles of hope. Micah brings
a different perspective to the prophet due in large part to his upbringing in a
rural setting. Many of his oracles are shaped by his upbringing and his life
among the common people in Judah.
Questions to Ponder
* Where are Ephrathah, Judah, and Bethlehem?
* What is the setting of the book of Micah: what is the
social, religious, and political state in Israel?
* How might Micah’s rural heritage provide a different lens
through which Israel is judged? How might his heritage be contrasting or
concurrent with the “typical” prophet in Israel’s history?
* Why might it be important for Israel to have a prophet
from outside the norm of other prophetic voices in Israel?
* Who might the prophet be speaking of when they say “…one
who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old…”?
* What was the significance of the village of Bethlehem in
the Old Testament? How did Bethlehem come to prominence in New Testament times?
* In verse 5a, the prophet tells of “the ruler who will be
great to the ends of the earth and shall be the one of peace.” Christians
attribute this saying to Jesus and his ministry. How does the image presented
here compare with the image of Jesus from the New Testament?
* Of whom do you think the prophet is speaking?
* Given the ongoing crisis in Israel at the time of this
text, how would this oracle be one of hope for the Jews?
* How might this passage affect our Advent journey of
preparation for Christ’s birth at Christmas?
* What message does this passage have for society in the 21st
century?
* What is the application of this passage for us in our
lives in the 21st century United States?
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