Rogation Procession this Sunday, May 5th

Come join us for our annual Rogation Procession this Sunday. We will use an order from the Book of Occasional Services as we process from the Sanctuary to the Celtic Trinity in the yard. It should be a joy-filled procession and we're praying for fair weather. The order of service will be

Reader:       A Reading from the Prophet Hosea (2:18-23)

I will make for you a covenant on that day with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creeping things of the ground; and I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land; and I will make you lie down in safety. And I will take you for my wife for ever; I will take you for my wife in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will take you for my wife in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.
On that day I will answer, says the Lord,

   I will answer the heavens
   and they shall answer the earth;
and the earth shall answer the grain, the wine, and the oil,
   and they shall answer Jezreel;
   and I will sow him for myself in the land.
And I will have pity on Lo-ruhamah,
   and I will say to Lo-ammi, ‘You are my people’;
   and he shall say, ‘You are my God.’

Celebrant:   Let us pray:

O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty: Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

The procession moves to the corner bend of the walkway

Reader:       A Reading from the Prophet Ezekiel (34:25-31)

I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild animals from the land, so that they may live in the wild and sleep in the woods securely. I will make them and the region around my hill a blessing; and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. The trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase. They shall be secure on their soil; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke, and save them from the hands of those who enslaved them. They shall no more be plunder for the nations, nor shall the animals of the land devour them; they shall live in safety, and no one shall make them afraid. I will provide for them splendid vegetation, so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the insults of the nations. They shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, says the Lord God. You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, says the Lord God.

 

Celebrant:   Let us pray:

O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

At the Celtic Trinity

Celebrant:       Let us pray together:

A General Thanksgiving

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

Celebrant:   Alleluia, Alleluia! Go in peace to love and serve the Lord!

People:        Thanks be to God! Alleluia, Alleluia!

Christian Education for Sunday May 5 - Acts 16:9-15; Paul's Vision of the Man of Macedonia and the Conversion of Lydia

May 5, 2013 – 6 Easter

Acts 16:9-15

Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia

The Conversion of Lydia

 

Background: The Acts of the Apostles is a unique book in the New Testament. This book is the companion to the Gospel of Luke and provides much of the history of the early church. This section provides some details about the growing mission to the Gentiles in Asia Minor and Europe.

 

Theme: Paul is beginning his missionary career to the Provinces of Rome in Asia Minor and Europe. His ministry commences with his immediate response to a vision and his welcoming of a gentile believer into the Christian cult.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Acts 15:36-16:8 in addition to the assigned passage as background for today’s reading. Briefly describe the setting for this passage.

* Identify the places named in today’s reading: Macedonia, Troas, Samothrace, Neapolis, Philippi, Thyatira, and Lydia. Briefly describe their significance in their social and religious context.

* Much of the message of scripture lies not only in what is said but also in what isn’t said. What strikes you as intriguing in today’s reading, especially in regard to the things not said directly?

* What is the significance of Thyatira in the entirety of the New Testament?

* What do you find intriguing about the description of Lydia? What do you find intriguing about Lydia’s living arrangement and the descriptions of her household?

* What do you think Lydia’s (the person) nationality/religious background is? What causes you to think that way?

* Do you think Lydia is rich, wealthy, or prominent? Why or why not?

* What do you think the significance is of Lydia dealing in purple cloth? Why might that make her more worthy of acceptance by Paul? Why might her acceptance by Paul be more moving than if she had a different profession?

* How do you think Lydia came to be a believer in God? Especially considering she was identified as a “believer in God” before she met and was baptized by Paul.

* Why do you think the author mentioned that Paul and his friends “remained in the city for some days” in verse 12?

* Why might the place of prayer be situated outside the walls of the city?

* What is striking about the place where Paul meets Lydia? How would the “place of prayer” outside the city walls be an odd place for a Jew to go on the Sabbath?

* Why do you think it was important that the writer identify that Lydia was from Thyatira when she was later identified as a resident of Philippi?

* What do you think the “place of prayer” was? Do you think it was a house church, a shrine, or some other building for prayer like the Temple?

* What is the message for Paul’s society?

* What is the message for our society and how does this passage spur us to action?

Reflection and sermon for April 28

Hello friends at the end of April. It is hard to believe the year is 1/3 over already. Today began with an in depth look at Peter and his response to the Circumcised Believers in Jerusalem after responding to his vision of including uncircumcised in the band of believers.

We had a nice celebration of the 5th Sunday of Easter and took some time to look at and reflect on how God is remaking us every day in preparation for God's return at the end of time. We looked at how we are called to look at our life in a new way keeping an eye on our past but always looking forward to our future with God. We looked at the way we are called to respond to the call to growth as a community of believers in response to God's renewal in our life.

I invite your comments and likes,
Les+

http://chirb.it/rGcO8y

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 28, 2013

Pentecost Worship and Potluck – Pentecost is on May 19^th. We will hold the pot luck outside. The weather will be nice. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex.

 

Growth Team – There will a one-hour meeting of the Growth Team in the Parish House following worship today. Please keep this team in your prayers as we investigate how to continue being faithful stewards of our Church.

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April 28, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

First Lesson:  Acts 11:1-18

Psalm:  Psalm 148

Second Lesson:  Revelation 21:1-6

Gospel:  John 13:31-35

 

Lay Participants for April 28, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Anne and Bert

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  G. E. Hotpoint

 

Sermon for Sunday, Apr. 21: http://chirb.it/c5Gpqv

______________________________________________________________

Church Flowers – 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.

 

Sanctuary Roof Update – The Vestry is in the process of gathering more recommendations and bids for the Sanctuary Roof. They are inviting a few contractors to ascertain the state of the roof and make a recommendation about retaining the present roof, repairing what is present, or replacing the roof system. We are looking for estimates using a variety of materials to ensure thoroughness while maintaining the integrity of the sanctuary – wood shingles, engineered wood-like shingles, and architectural shingles. Once all recommendations and bids are received the vestry will present the findings to the Parish for information, discussion, and decision making.

 

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.

 

Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in together using a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Psalm 148 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 493, “O for a thousand tongues to sing” (Azmon) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Volunteer opportunity – King’s Fork High School is looking for assistance to help them reach full accreditation. They have requested our prayers and for people to volunteer helping the students. More information can be found on the Suffolk Public School’s website at: http://www.spsk12.net/parents/volunteer/. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to volunteer to help in our community.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will meet April 17 beginning at 10:00 am. We will continue our study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw. We will study and discuss Chapter 6, “The Church” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Acts 11:1-18, “Peter’s Report to the Church of Jerusalem” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the first New Testament (substitute for the Old Testament in Easter Season) lesson Acts 16:9-15, “’Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia’ and ‘The Conversion of Lydia’” 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 – Resurrection: The resurrection of Christ is not just a past event. Christ promises to come to us, to come again to us, again and again, both today and in the future, and in ways beyond which we have experienced. The resurrection of Christ is ever new.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Apr. 25^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. Apr 28^th         * Growth Team Meeting – Following Service

Wed. May 1^st          * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. May 2^nd          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. May 4^th          *Diocese-wide Community Service Day

Wed. May 8^th         * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. May 9^th          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. May 12^th         * Mother’s Day

Mon. May 13^th        * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sat. May 18^th         * One Harvest Pickup

Sun. May 19^th         * Pentecost – Worship at Pond Altar

                             * Parish Potluck

____________________________________________________________

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, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Rev. Mike, and Bruce.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Bryan & Dianne

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Companion Diocese of the Virgin Islands.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Israel Amoo of New Busa, Kwara, Nigeria.

 

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

Christian Formation for Sunday April 28 - Acts 11:1-18; Peter's Report to the Church at Jerusalem

April 28, 2013 – 5 Easter

Acts 11:1-18

Peter’s Report to the Church at Jerusalem

 

Background: The Acts of the Apostles is a unique book in the New Testament. This book is the companion to the Gospel of Luke and provides much of the history of the early church. Acts presents much of the theology of the Apostles and Disciples in the first century as the Christian Cult was gaining stature. This section describes the spread of the faith outside Jerusalem.

 

Theme: Peter is called upon to justify his spreading the message of Christ’s resurrection and redemptive powers to non-Jewish believers. Peter recounts how he came to be led to accept Gentile converts without them becoming Jews.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Acts 10:1-48 as background for today’s reading. Briefly describe the setting for this passage.

* Who do you think the “circumcised believers” were? What do you think their biggest concern was with regard to Peter’s inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith?

* Why do you think Peter reported he was in a trance when he saw his vision? How might that be different that being spoken to in a dream? What do you think the significance is between a vision and a dream to the 1^st and 2^nd century Christians?

* What do you think was in the sheet? Do you think it was only “unclean” creatures or was it all creatures? Why do you think the vision used unclean creatures to prove the point?

* Why do you think there were 3 visions and 3 people who arrived to pick Peter up? Why do you think Peter took “6 brothers” with him to Cornelius’ house?

* Some argue the principle being argued was less about the Gentiles being included in the believers and more about the Gentiles not converting to Judaism before converting to Christianity. Why do you think the Jewish Christians thought the Gentiles must convert before converting to Christianity?

* What do you think the rationale was for the belief that the Gentiles had to become Jews first?

* What do you think the vision and commentary by Peter implied about God’s agency in the human condition?

* What do you think the message that Peter had that would “[by which] you [Cornelius] and your household would be saved” was in verse 14?

* How might that message be considered simply for the “insiders” of the Jewish converts as opposed to all converts to the Christian faith?

* How do you think Peter envisioned his being a hindrance of God in verse 17?

* How does our action hinder or help God’s mission in the world?

* What do you think the issue was with regard to the Gentiles becoming Christians?

* What it the message of the good news in this passage and how do we share that same message today?

Reflection and sermon for April 21, 2013

Greetings from Chuckatuck on a a blustery Sunday after Tax Day. This week has been tumultuous around the nation not only with taxes being due but with the bombing in Boston. We took time this week to remember the victims and all who have been affected by the events of that day.

Today we continued looking at the spread of the Christian Faith as Peter healed Aeneas and Tabitha in Lydda and Joppa. We looked at how our ministry helps restore hope to a world in need of hope through relationship and connection between our past and our future.

We had a joy-filled worship today and looked at our hope even in the ups and downs of life. We share the strength of life that is supported in our community that knows the truth - that God will be with us and will support us in the past, in our present, and in the future.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/c5Gpqv

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 21, 2013

Craft and Vendor Faire – Thank you to all who helped make the Craft and Vendor Faire a success last weekend. We made a little more money than expected and provided a welcoming and accessible venue for the vendors. Given the results of this year’s sale we will likely continue the sale in future years.

 

Special Vestry Meeting – There will a short Special Vestry Meeting held immediately following worship this Sunday in the Parlor.

______________________________________________________________

April 21, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II and Litany of Healing

Lessons for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

First Lesson:  Acts 9:36-43

Psalm:  Psalm 23

Second Lesson:  Revelation 7:9-17

Gospel:  John 10:22-30

 

Lay Participants for April 21, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Ben

Prayers:  Bernice

Ushers:  Gary and David

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Bernice

 

Sermon for Sunday, Apr. 14: http://chirb.it/bNL7rA

______________________________________________________________

Boston Marathon Memorial Run/Walk – The International Christian Church of Virginia Beach is hosting a "Boston Marathon Memorial Run/Walk" this Saturday afternoon at 2:50 PM, the time of the 1st explosion at the Boston Marathon finish line. The run/walk will begin and end on the Oceanfront Boardwalk at 1st Street. The distance will be 4.09 miles to reflect on the finish time in the Boston Marathon (4 hours 9 minutes) when the attacks occurred. If you want more information contact the Rector or visit their Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/494075277326681/.

 

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.

 

Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in together using a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Psalm 23 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 343, “Shepherd of souls, refresh and bless” (St. Agnes) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Volunteer opportunity – King’s Fork High School is looking for assistance to help them reach full accreditation. They have requested our prayers and for people to volunteer helping the students. More information can be found on the Suffolk Public School’s website at: http://www.spsk12.net/parents/volunteer/. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to volunteer to help in our community.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will meet April 17 beginning at 10:00 am. We will continue our study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw. We will study and discuss Chapter 5, “The Eucharist” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Acts 9:32-43, “Peter in Lydda and Joppa” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the first New Testament (substitute for the Old Testament in Easter Season) lesson Acts 11:1-18, “Peter’s Report to the Church of Jerusalem” 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 – Redemption: One important thing to remember is that the most devastating sorrows and the most spectacular and even lurid failings can be redeemed in a life of service to others.

-Br. Mark Brown

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Apr. 18^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Apr. 20^th        * One Harvest Pickup

                             * Boston Marathon Memorial Run/Walk – Virginia Beach

                             Boardwalk: 2:50 pm

Sun. Apr. 21^st         * Special Vestry Meeting – Following Service

Wed. Apr. 24^th      * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. Apr. 25^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. Apr 28^th         * Growth Team Meeting – Following Service

Wed. May 1^st          * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. May 2^nd          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. May 4^th          *Diocese-wide Community Service Day

Wed. May 8^th         * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. May 9^th          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. May 12^th         * Mother’s Day

Mon. May 13^th        * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sat. May 18^th         * One Harvest Pickup

Sun. May 19^th         * Pentecost – Worship at Pond Altar

                             * Parish Potluck

____________________________________________________________

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, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Rev. Mike, and Bruce.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: John & Elizabeth

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Magnolia Gardens of Suffolk.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Mark Lawrence MacDonald, The National Indigenous Bishop of Ontario, Canada.

 

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