Reflection and Sermon for Easter Sunday

Happy Easter! At the end of a blessed and community-filled Holy Week we did our part to celebrate Jesus' resurrection as a member of the Oakland/Chuckatuck community. We hosted the community Sunrise service at the Pond Altar this morning and had a hearty band of 47 this morning thankfully it was in the middle 40s this year as opposed to the upper 30s last year. We heard a rousing message from the Rev. Ileana Rosario from Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church.

We had a fabulous celebration in the main service today and had 51 in worship - lots of families and lots of little ones. It is always fabulous to have a full house and an outstanding worship time. The music was great and thankfully the weather held out for the most part - especially for sunrise service. We looked at the question of what difference the Resurrection makes. We looked at the fact that everything changed in the Resurrection - that all the human rules no longer rule life. We also looked at the fact that everyone is not only welcome but invited to God's kingdom.

Listen and enjoy. Of note, there really wasn't an indication that Peter was talking to the church in Corinth. I invite your comments. Happy Easter!
Les+

http://chirb.it/2EL7zs

St. John's e-News for Sunday March 31 - The Feast of the Resurrection!

Holy Week Services – Please plan to attend any or all the community worship services planned for Holy Week. We should celebrate as we have in years past: Maundy Thursday at Oakland UCC – Supper at 6:00 pm and service at 7:00 pm, Good Friday at Wesley Chapel UMC at 7:00 pm, and Easter Sunrise at St. John’s at 7:00 am.

 

Spring Parish Clean-up – Thank you to all who helped clean the Church yard in preparation for this coming Sunday’s services; the yard looks much better.

 

Sanctuary Preparation for Easter – This coming Saturday we will decorate the Sanctuary in preparation for Easter Sunday. We will meet from 9:00 am – 12:00 noon to set out lilies and prepare the Pond Altar for Sunday morning Worship. The more the merrier; if you can attend or for more information please contact Lynn.

______________________________________________________________

March 31, 2013, 10:30 am Festive Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for Easter Sunday

First Lesson:  Acts 10:34-43

Psalm:  Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Second Lesson:  1 Corinthians 15:19-26

Gospel:  Luke 24:1-12

 

Lay Participants for March 31, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Bernice

Prayers:  Bernice

Ushers:  Fred and Marlene

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Easter Sunday – Family Day to celebrate!

 

Sermon for Sunday, Mar. 24: http://chirb.it/Oq3sOk

______________________________________________________________

Easter Thank You –A special thank you to all who have made Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Day a special day. Many thanks for those who cleaned, sang, ate, worshiped, and all other ministries offered this year. The Rector.

 

Chalicers/Eucharistic Ministers – I would like to enlist some more volunteers to serve at the Altar as Chalicist/Eucharistic Minister/Acolyte. I feel that the Parish wants to have that ministry function on a regular basis but I also feel we may be burning out the licensed Eucharistic Ministers. The licensing requirement is simple – some training by me (nothing difficult), and an application for licensing to the Diocesan Office (which is never turned down). Please pray about this ministry and contact the Rector if you feel called to serve.

 

Spring Craft and Vendor Fair – The fair will be held on Saturday, April 13^th, in the Parish Hall from 10:00-3:00 pm. We need volunteers to assist with set up, making baked goods, and clean up. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex.

 

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 118:1-2, 14-24 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 551, “Rise up, ye saints of God!” (Festal Song) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Lenten Series offerings. We surveyed the history of the Anglican and Episcopal Church in the United States and how that shaped our past and our future. We also looked at our mission, ministry, and gifts. Please contact the Rector to provide feedback into our next offering during Lent 2014.

 

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – During the season of Lent we will be collecting any loose change in the jar in the Narthex and in the Parlor. Our change will be given in order to help us change the story of a boys’ life. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House or visit www.boyshomeinc.org for more information.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will take a break during Holy Week but will continue its study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw on April 3. On April 3 we will study and discuss Chapter 3, “The Cross and Suffering of Jesus” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

Community Outreach – There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 3^rd, in the Parish Hall from 7:00-8:30 pm.  All are invited.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will take a break from formation classes. Next week’s class will discuss the first New Testament (substitute for the Old Testament in Easter Season) lesson Acts 5:27-32, “The Apostles Are Persecuted” 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.

 

Thought for the week – Relationship: Christianity demands community. It is through our relationship with others we hear God’s word and understand God’s call.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Mar. 28^th       * Community Maundy Thursday Service – Supper @ 6:00 pm;

                             Worship @ 7:00 pm (Oakland Christian UCC)

Fri. Mar. 29^th        * Community Good Friday Service – 7:00 pm

                             (Wesley Chapel UMC)

Sat. Mar. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon – Suffolk Salvation Army

                             * Preparing the Sanctuary for Easter

Sun. Mar. 31^st        * Easter Sunrise Service – 7:00 am

                             * Festive Easter Eucharist – 10:30 am

Mon. Apr. 1^st          * Easter Monday – Parish Office closed

Wed. Apr. 3^rd        * Outreach Committee Meeting – 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Apr. 11^th         * Set up for G.C.F.W. Junto Woman’s Group event

Fri. Apr. 12^th          * G.C.F.W. Junto Woman’s Group event – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

                             * Set up Parish Hall for Vendor and Craft Faire – 3:00 pm

Sat. Apr. 13^th        * Vendor and Craft Faire – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

____________________________________________________________

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, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, June, Ronald, and Dorothy.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Perk & G. Lee

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Donny & Mary Dunn, III; The Rev. Jim & Barbara Short

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: For Peace in Jerusalem.

 

Birthdays in April

John 06                        Barbara 10

Matthew 14                 Bryan 16

Paul 24                        BC 27

Bernice 30

 

Anniversaries in April

Tim & Bev 03             Doug & Mac 30

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Minister of Music 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

Reflection and sermon for Palm Sunday - March 24

Greetings on a drizzly Palm Sunday. This past week we finally finished cleaning up the church yard; mulch laid, branches trimmed, and weeds pulled. Thank you to all who have helped prepare for next week. We took one last look, for a while, at Isaiah in today's formation class as we looked at the third Servant Song. It is refreshing to be reminded that God has been and will be with us throughout our entire life.

After a chilly procession of the Palms across the yard we walked through our journey of Palm Sunday and the Passion Gospel. I was tempted to let the Gospel and the whole day and not preach but I felt compelled to share a reflection about how Jesus' sacrifice was not in spite of his nature as God incarnate but because he is God incarnate. In doing so he invites us to give up a little of our humanity to become more like the Divine. Today's sermon, entitled "sometimes the story is the message" is appended. I invite your comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/Oq3sOk

St. John's e-News for Sunday March 24 - Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday and the Blessing of the Palms – As is our tradition, weather permitting we will begin our Palm Sunday celebration with the blessing of the Palms and procession to the Sanctuary beginning in front of the Parish House. If you would prefer to not process across the Church yard, palms and service leaflets will be available in the Sanctuary.

 

Spring Parish Clean-up – We will finish the spring clean-up this coming Saturday, March 23. Please come and assist making the grounds pretty for our Easter Celebration.

 

Easter Lily Orders – This coming Sunday is the deadline for ordering Easter lilies. Please turn in your forms and payment either to the Parish Office or in the collection plate. The Easter lilies will be used to decorate the church for Easter Sunday. The dedications will appear in the Easter Sunday bulletin for the second service.

          We will decorate the Sanctuary next Saturday morning, March 30, in preparation for Easter Sunday. For more information please contact Lynn Rose.

______________________________________________________________

March 24, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I

Lessons for Palm Sunday

Lesson in Procession:  Luke 19:28-40

First Lesson:  Isaiah 50:4-9a

Psalm:  Psalm 31:9-16

Second Lesson:  Philippians 2:5-11

Gospel:  Luke 22:14-23:56

 

Lay Participants for March 24, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Terry

Lector:  Ben

Prayers:  Ben

Ushers:  Nick and Tina

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Marlene Stanton

 

Sermon for Sunday, Mar. 17: http://chirb.it/1kPymA

______________________________________________________________

Chalicers/Eucharistic Ministers – I would like to enlist some more volunteers to serve at the Altar as Chalicist/Eucharistic Minister/Acolyte. I feel that the Parish wants to have that ministry function on a regular basis but I also feel we may be burning out the licensed Eucharistic Ministers. The licensing requirement is simple – some training by me (nothing difficult), and an application for licensing to the Diocesan Office (which is never turned down). Please pray about this ministry and contact the Rector if you feel called to serve.

 

Psalms during Lent – We will try something new while reciting the Psalm in worship during Lent. We will recite the Psalm antiphonally by whole verse by side of the sanctuary. The Eucharistic Minister will lead one side and the Rector the other. We will observe a slight “monastic pause” at the asterisk.

 

Holy Week Services – Please plan to attend any or all the community worship services planned for Holy Week. We should celebrate as we have in years past: Maundy Thursday at Oakland UCC – Supper at 6:00 pm and service at 7:00 pm, Good Friday at Wesley Chapel UMC at 7:00 pm, and Easter Sunrise at St. John’s at 7:00 am.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Our Lenten series concludes this evening March 20. 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.

          Tonight’s session will continue our investigation of our worship, liturgical, and denominational heritage. We will complete our survey the growth of the Anglican Church, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Book of Common Prayer. We will close the investigation with an examination of some of the vast resources available for personal and corporate worship in the Episcopal Church. Please come join us.

 

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – During the season of Lent we will be collecting any loose change in the jar in the Narthex and in the Parlor. Our change will be given in order to help us change the story of a boys’ life. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House or visit www.boyshomeinc.org for more information.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will take a break during Holy Week but will continue its study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw on April 3. On April 3 we will study and discuss Chapter 3, “The Cross and Suffering of Jesus” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

Community Outreach – There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 3^rd, in the Parish Hall from 7:00-8:30 pm.  All are invited.

 

Spring Craft and Vendor Fair – The fair will be held on Saturday, April 13^th, in the Parish Hall from 10:00-3:00 pm. We need volunteers to assist with set up, making baked goods, and clean up. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 50:4-9a, “The Servant’s Humiliation and Vindication” from 9:15-10:15 am come see what the buzz is about. Next week’s class will be cancelled due to the other events of the morning but will resume the following Sunday 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.

 

Thought for the week – Praise: The Psalms are full of emotional honesty and transparency—even the truth about our ugliest impulses. Rage, resentment, violent retribution, even the cursing of others: it’s all there in the Psalms. If we pray with this kind of honesty, and live with this kind of truth telling, we approach the presence of light and life. Truth telling leads us toward fuller life.

-Br. Mark Brown

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Wed. Mar. 20^th      * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 21^st        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Sanctuary)

Tue. Mar. 26^th       * Obici Healthcare Foundation Bravo Breakfast –

                             9:00 – 11:30 am (Smithfield Center)

                             * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Sanctuary)

Wed. Mar. 27^th      * Renewal of Ordination Vows - 10 a.m.

                             (St. Stephen's, Newport News)

Thu. Mar. 28^th       * Community Maundy Thursday Service – Supper @ 6:00 pm;

                             Worship @ 7:00 pm (Oakland Christian UCC)

Fri. Mar. 29^th        * Community Good Friday Service – 7:00 pm

                             (Wesley Chapel UMC)

Sat. Mar. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon – Suffolk Salvation Army

                             * Preparing the Sanctuary for Easter

Sun. Mar. 31^st        * Easter Sunrise Service – 7:00 am

                             * Festive Easter Eucharist – 10:30 am

Mon. Apr. 1^st          * Easter Monday – Parish Office closed

Wed. Apr. 3^rd        * Outreach Committee Meeting – 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Apr. 11^th         * Set up for G.C.F.W. Junto Woman’s Group event

Fri. Apr. 12^th          * G.C.F.W. Junto Woman’s Group event – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

                             * Set up Parish Hall for Vendor and Craft Faire – 3:00 pm

Sat. Apr. 13^th        * Vendor and Craft Faire – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

____________________________________________________________

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, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Frances, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, June, Ronald, and Dorothy.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Jim & Margaret

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Center for Psychotherapy & Healing

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: For Peace in Jerusalem; The Rt. Rev. Suheil Dawani of Jerusalem.

 

Birthdays in March

David 02                     Shannon 06

Brooks 07                    Wade 08

Mary-Margaret 08       Caroline 09

Fred 12                        Tim 13

Pretlow 15                   John 18

Elizabeth 19                Hansa 20

Millard 21                   John 27

Cooper 28

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Minister of Music 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

Conversations with Scripture... session 2

This week's conversation will begin in Chapter 2 of the book "Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other." I invite you to get a copy of the book and join us for our conversations, either in person or in spirit. 

Author	Date of composition	Location	Traits of the community
Paul
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John

Opening questions for reflection

1. How was Christ present to these different communities?
2. How were the different communities being called to spiritual growth and mission?

 

Points for discussion

1. How was the membership of the Christian Cult different than other religions of the day? Especially with respect to initiation and membership.
2. How were the churches attributed to Paul formed (regionally and ethnically)?
3. What do you think is important for new members to know about the Christian Faith? The Episcopal Church? Any Christian Church?
4. What were the distinctive traits of each writer's Community? How might that influence the imagery and story-telling role of the different writers?
5. What unifies our community of practice?
6. What is the function of oral tradition in Biblical times? In contemporary society?
7. What does our community believe about Jesus Christ?
8. How does Matthew's story evolve the historic Jewish tradition, moving from simply the Torah to the Torah interpreted through the eyes of Christ?
9. What is the importance of rules and order to the development of a community?
10. What are the principal issues experienced living together in a parish family?
11. How much value is placed on the dissenting or different position in our conversations?

 

Observation 1: How are we convinced that the continuation of God is revealed to us in Christ as demonstrated in our congregation as faithful believers?

Observation 2: How does the faithful conversation portrayed in the Gospels and Paul provide an image for us to emulate?