St. John's e-News for Sunday February 3, 2013

Preparation for Lent – As we begin looking forward to Lent you will notice the doors into the Sanctuary from the Narthex will be closed before service starts. We will use the doors as a reminder of our going to a place set aside for worship and intentional communication with God. At the end of Lent, we will invite your reflections on the new position of the doors.

 

Brunswick Stew Sale for Oakland Christian UCC – Randy Rowell, of Oakland Church, will pick up the forms and checks this coming Sunday after church. He will deliver the stew to St. John’s on Sunday, February 10^th, between 11:30 and 11:45 so that it will be there for you to take home.

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February 3, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 1:4-10

Psalm:  Psalm 71:1-6

Second Lesson:  1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Gospel:  Luke 4:21-30

 

Lay Participants for February 3, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Mary-Margaret

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Gary and David

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  Leone

 

Refreshments:  No volunteer

 

Sermon for Sunday, Jan. 27: http://chirb.it/3BPnAD

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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – This year’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is just around the corner – February 12. St. John’s will have its annual Community Pancake Supper on February 12^th, from 5-7 pm. Ticket prices will be $5/person or $15/family. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex for volunteers to work during this event. If you have any questions, please contact Jim.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Feb 20^th will be the first of five sessions. We will start with supper at 6:30 followed by the study session. We will end at 8:00. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex for volunteers to supply the meal for each session.

 

Community Outreach Meeting – The next meeting of the Community Outreach Committee will be Wednesday February 6, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to attend

 

OneHarvest Orders – The next distribution is on Saturday, February 16. Check at www.ebumc.net for the order dates. The order dates are on the Ebenezer UMC order form.

 

121^st Annual Council of the Diocese – The Resolutions being submitted for vote at this year’s Council on February 15 and 16 can be found at http://images.acswebnetworks.com/1/2279/2013ALLResolutions.pdf. These resolutions are summarized as:

          Constitutional Resolution Con-1: Amending Constitution Article V, § 2; Status of Missions and Parishes determining a quorum (second reading)

          Canonical Resolution C-1: Amending Canon XII, Of the Commission on Ministry

          Canonical Resolution C-2: Amending Canon XXII, Section 2(b); Disciplinary Structure

          Canonical Resolution C-3: Amending Canon XXII, Section 2, (Of Ecclesiastical Discipline); Residency standard

          Resolution R-1: “Repairers of the Breach Commission”; Establish a Diocesan Policy aimed at Repentance and Reconciliation regarding slavery

 

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 continue this coming Wednesday, January 30. The group is studying “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy and will continue the chapter on Ecclesiastes. If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 1:4-10, “Jeremiah’s Call and Commission” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Exodus 34:29-35, “The Shining Face of Moses” from 9:15-10:15 am. All are invited to join us for class next 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 71:1-6 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 126, “The people who in darkness walked” (Dundee) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Thought for the week – Listen: Remember prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. Speak what is on your heart and listen to God’s response.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Jan. 24^th       * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

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

Thu. Jan. 31^st        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Wed. Feb. 6^th        * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. Feb. 7^th             * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Sat. Feb. 9^th         * St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Hampton Vestry Retreat – 8:00

                             am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

                             * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Classroom)

Mon. Feb. 11^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00-9:00 pm (Parlor)

Tue. Feb. 12^th        * Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – 5:00-7:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Wed. Feb. 13^th       * Ash Wednesday: Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes

                             12:00 noon and 7:00 pm (Sanctuary)

                             * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

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

Thu. Feb. 14^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Fri. Feb. 15^th         * Annual Council Williamsburg Lodge through Feb. 16^th

Sat. Feb. 16^th        * OneHarvest pick-up (Ebenezer UMC)

Wed. Feb. 20^th      * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Feb. 21^st        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

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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/

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, Heather, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Charles, Kathy, Joyce, Robert, Frances, Yvette and family, Andy, Beth, and Cynthia.

 

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

 

Flower Dedication:  To the Glory of God and in memory of our parents by Anne & Bert.

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Bob and Bette

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach; Campus Ministry Centers.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Stephen Dokolo Ismail of Lui, Sudan.

 

Birthdays in February

Natasha 02      Karen 08

Mac 08            Perk 16

Joe 19              Jimmye 20

Alice 22

 

Anniversaries in February

Gary & Toni 14

 

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 Feb. 3 - Jeremiah 1:1-10; Jeremiah's Call and Commission

February 3, 2013 – 4 Epiphany

Jeremiah 1:1-10

Jeremiah’s Call and Commission

 

Background: The book of Jeremiah is unique in many ways in the Old Testament. The book is dated fairly explicitly in the opening passage, identifying specific dates and kings during which Jeremiah operated. Additionally, the book relates the entirety of Jeremiah’s call and operation as a prophet, although some of the details are most likely later additions to the text. Last, the text is one of few that survives in both the Greek (Septuagint) and Hebrew (Masoretic) texts – which allows for greater detail and corroboration of the text.

 

Theme: This passage provides the setting of the book of Jeremiah and an insight into his call to ministry. His call narrative is reminiscent of other prophetic calls in the Old Testament with many attributions to Jeremiah’s prenatal election as a prophet. This passage can be considered “typical” with regard to a prophet’s call – denial of worthiness for the call, God’s declaration of worthiness, and God’s direct action to cement the call to action.

 

Questions to Ponder

* Please read Jeremiah 1:1-10.

* Briefly identify the setting of the book of Jeremiah: the dating of the text; the social, political, and religious structure of Israel; and the location of Jeremiah’s call (city and region).

* Briefly describe Jeremiah’s lineage and heritage, from which tribe did he descend and what was their connection to the history of Israel?

* How might the location of Jeremiah’s call influence the message offered in the text?

* How might Jeremiah’s connection to at least three leaders with three different foes make the text more influential in Jewish life? In Christian life? Do you think the connections are different?

* Of which other character/prophet in the Old Testament is Jeremiah’s call reminiscent? Why might there be the similarity between the two (or more) prophets?

* Why do you think Jeremiah protests God’s call in verse 6? Of whom is this protest reminiscent? Why do you think the similarity exists between the protests?

* Beginning in verse 4 the text states that God had set aside Jeremiah before his birth. Do you think Jeremiah’s authority as God’s prophet was established in this call? Why or why not? If not, what do you think establishes Jeremiah’s authority with the Jews?

* Do you think Jeremiah could have turned down God’s call to ministry?

* Do you think God acted in the lives of others in Jeremiah’s time like the account of Jeremiah’s call?

* Do you think God continues to act in our lives today like he in Jeremiah’s?

* While God identified Jeremiah’s mission as one of “building up and tearing down” much of the first portion of the book of Jeremiah is accusatory and condemning. How might Jeremiah’s accusations and condemnation have been seen as fulfilling his mission?

* What might the word of hope be in this passage for Jeremiah’s people and generation?

* What might the word of hope and encouragement be for us today?

* What application do you take from this passage for your daily life and action?

Reflection and sermon for Sunday January 27, 2013

Greetings at the end of January and after the season's first substantial snowfall. I was a beautiful morning although a bit chilly. We've started having more folks join us at Formation Class and it's been good to continue working through the Old Testament.

We had a blessed worship service and have continued investigating our ministry and mission and how we are challenged to search out and embrace the other members of the body of Christ, not only to encourage them but to be encouraged in our relationship with God in Christ. We also reflected on the image of all different members of the body of Christ as important for the health of the entire body of Christ. I invite your comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/3BPnAD

St. John's e-News for Sunday 27, 2013

Flower Donation Sign-up Sheet – The Altar Guild has posted the flower sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please read the sign-up instructions also posted in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Rose.

 

After Service Refreshments – There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex to sign up to provide light refreshments following service. Please take the opportunity to sign up for this ministry – extensive cooking skills are not required, simply an ability to provide a snack during post-service discussions.

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January 27, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany

First Lesson:  Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm:  Psalm 19

Second Lesson:  1 Corinthians 12:12-31a

Gospel:  Luke 4:14-21

 

Lay Participants for January 27, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Kevin

Prayers:  Terry

Ushers:  Gary and ?

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  Anne

 

Refreshments:  Leone

 

Sermon for Sunday, Jan. 13: http://chirb.it/K82Opp

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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – This year’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper is just under 1 month away – February 12. St. John’s will have its annual Community Pancake Supper on February 12^th, from 5-7 pm. Ticket prices will be $5/person or $15/family. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex for volunteers to work during this event. If you have any questions, please contact Jim.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Feb 20^th will be the first of five sessions. We will start with supper at 6:30 followed by the study session. We will end at 8:00. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex for volunteers to supply the meal for each session. If there is any input into what we study let the Rector know.

 

Community Outreach Meeting – The next meeting of the Community Outreach Committee will be Wednesday February 6, from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Parish Hall. All are welcome to attend

 

OneHarvest Orders – The next distribution is on Saturday, February 16. Check at www.ebumc.net for the order dates. The order dates are on the Ebenezer UMC order form.

 

Vestry Announcements – The following assignments on the vestry have been made for the coming year. The Senior Warden will continue to be Leone and the Junior Warden will continue to be Joe. The Vestry also affirmed the following Parish officers: Marlene continues as Register, Gary continues as Treasurer, and Don Wittenauer continues as Administrator.

 

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 continue this coming Wednesday, January 30. The group is studying “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy and will begin the chapter on Ecclesiastes. If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Nehemiah 8:1-12, “Ezra Summons the People to Obey the Law” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 1:4-10, “Jeremiah’s Call and Commission” from 9:15-10:15 am. All are invited to join us for class next 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 19 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 658, “As longs the deer for cooling streams” (Martyrdom) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Thought for the week – Listen: Remember prayer is a dialogue, not a monologue. Speak what is on your heart and listen to God’s response.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Jan. 24^th      * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

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

Thu. Jan. 31^st       * Choir rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Wed. Feb. 6^th       * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Sat. Feb. 9^th         * St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Hampton Vestry Retreat – 8:00

                             am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Feb. 11^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00-9:00 pm (Parlor)

Tue. Feb. 12^th        * Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – 5:00-7:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Wed. Feb. 13^th       * Ash Wednesday: Holy Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes

                             12:00 noon and 7:00 pm (Sanctuary)

                             * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

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

Fri. Feb. 15^th         * Annual Council Williamsburg Lodge through Feb. 16^th

Sat. Feb. 16^th        * OneHarvest pick-up (Ebenezer UMC)

Wed. Feb. 20^th      * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

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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/

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, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Steve, Morse, Charles, Kathy, Tanya, Joyce, Robert, and Mary Virginia.

 

Deceased:  Lewis

 

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

 

Flower Dedication:  To the Glory of God and for Mrs. Paul Kirk Ball given by her son, Claiborne Ball.

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: John & Ann

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach; Mrs. Robin Jordan

The Rev. David L. & Leslie Booher.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Most Rev. Emmanuel Sokowamju Egbunu of Lokoja, Nigeria.

 

Birthdays in February

Natasha 02                  Karen 08

Mac 08                        Perk 16

Joe 19                          Jimmye 20

Alice 22

 

Anniversaries in February

Gary & Toni 14

 

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 Jan. 27 - Nehemiah 8:1-12; Ezra Summons the People to Obey the Law

January 27, 2013 – 3 Epiphany

Nehemiah 8:1-12

Ezra Summons the People to Obey the Law

 

Background: The book of Nehemiah is closely tied to the book of Ezra and it is believed the books share many elements and often contrast the lives of Ezra and Nehemiah. Nehemiah was most likely composed following his return to Israel in 445 BCE. The book of Nehemiah can be viewed in three sections; chapters 1-7 describe Nehemiah’s return to Israel and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem; in chapters 8-10 Ezra reads the law and responses to the law; and chapters 11-13 continue Nehemiah’s story.

 

Theme: Ezra reads “the torah of Moses” to the exiles who had returned from Babylon. This passage describes the first reading of the books of Moses, the education of the people, and the responses of Israel to their renewal through the law.

 

Questions to Ponder

* Please read Nehemiah 8:1-12. Read Ezra 8 to get a sense of the chronological setting for this passage.

* Briefly describe the setting of this passage and book; the social, political, and religious context for the Israelites. Briefly describe the relationship between Ezra and Nehemiah focusing on role each has in society.

* What might the significance be of assembling the people in the square before the Water Gate? What benefit might come from having the entire population together?

* What, if anything, is ironic about the people to whom Ezra spoke, “both men and women and all who could hear with understanding”?

* What might the historic significance be of the date of the pronouncement of the law to the Israelites (the 7^th month)? Does this date coincide with some other festival in Jewish tradition?

* Why might Ezra have stood on a platform “made for the purpose” when reading the law to the Israelites?

* How might the posture of worship described in verses 5 and 6 impact the people and their worship? Do you think these proscriptions have an impact on Jewish (and later Christian) worship? Why or why not? Why might the Israelites have “lifted up their hands” when Ezra blessed God and they responded Amen?

* What function might the people identified in verses 4 and 7 serve? How might they be helpful in interpreting the law (as mentioned in verse 8)? For what purpose would an interpretation be needed during the reading of the law?

* What implications might we draw from the explicit “requirement” to provide interpretation of the law to the assembled people of Israel?

* Why might the people weep and mourn when the Law of Moses was read to them?

* For what reason might Ezra remind them to not mourn, even given their desire to mourn once they heard the law?

* How might the law provide a message of hope to the Israelites? How might the interpretation impact the message of hope?

* How does the message of hope in the Law give Christians hope for a future?

* What are the implications and challenges for us today presented in this passage?