Parishioners in the News

Parishioners in the news: Read an article from the Suffolk News Herald about Terry Jones-Brady and her book "A Mosaic Heart." Her book is inspiring and tells a story of resurrection in the midst of the craziness of life.

"Woman’s book chronicles family deaths, new life
Picking up the pieces of a shattered life is a task most people have to do from time to time, particularly after a death in the family..."

http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2013/05/29/from-grief-to-joy/

St. John's e-News for Sunday June 2

Parish Property Projects – There are a number of small projects in the churchyard that could stand some attention. If you are willing and able to “tend the beds” before it gets too hot, please contact the Rector.

 

Catch the Spirit T-Shirts – We are trying to get a good tally of who has a red “Saint John’s Episcopal Church Chuckatuck, Virginia – Catch the Spirit” t-shirt. There may be an opportunity to purchase more shirts and we’d like to find out who has one and who would like one. Please let one of the Vestry members or the Parish Office know if you have a shirt.

 

Memorial Day Listing for Sunday Bulletin – The list of veterans buried in the St. John’s cemetery was missing:

John Stokes Kirk

July 18, 1912 - March 15, 1991

United States Army

______________________________________________________________

June 2, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Second Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 4)

First Lesson:  1 Kings 18:20-39

Psalm:  Psalm 96

Second Lesson:  Galatians 1:1-12

Gospel:  Luke 7:1-10

 

Lay Participants for June 2, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Kathy

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Gary

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Marcella

 

Sermon for Sunday, May 26: http://chirb.it/zNPLc8

______________________________________________________________

Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry – The spring Fish Fry fundraiser for the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Saturday June 8 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Please come out and support our local all volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Be on the lookout for more information about the ticket cost and locations to purchase tickets. When you attend – wear your “Catch the Spirit” t-shirt.

 

Vestry Special Election – Due to Joe Fisher’s resignation from the Vestry, we will hold a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of his term (through 2014). Please prayerfully consider if you are called to serve in this leadership position. For more information contact any Vestry Member, the Rector, or Don.

 

Talbot Hall Property Update – Bishop Hollerith has provided an update about the status of the Diocesan Center at Talbot Hall. For more information please check out this link: http://www.diosova.org/article315237.htm.

 

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.

 

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 96 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 544, “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun” (Duke Street) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

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.

 

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 1 Kings 18:20-40, “Elijah’s Triumph over the Priests of Baal” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the Old Testament lesson 1 Kings 17:8-24, “’The Widow of Zarephath’ and ‘Elijah Revives the Widow’s Son’” 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 – Encounter: Sometimes in our lives we need to be prepared to cross over into strange new worlds in order to come face to face with the living God. We need to enter those liminal places to find the divine presence.

- Br. James Koester

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Fri. May 31^st          * Deadline for Newsletter submissions to Terry Jones-Brady

Tue. Jun. 4^th          * Convocation IV Clericus – 12:00-2:00 pm (St. Paul’s, Suffolk)

Wed. Jun. 5^th         * Outreach Committee meeting – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Sat. Jun. 8^th          * Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry

Sun. Jun. 9^th          * Growth Team meeting – following worship (Parish Hall)

Mon. Jun. 10^th        * Rector Continuing Education through Jun. 14^th

                             * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sun. Jun. 16^th         * Father’s Day

Mon. Jun. 24^th        * Rector Vacation through July 7^th

Sun. Jun. 30^th        * Supply Priest – The Rev. Mollie Turner

Thu. Jul. 4^th           * Independence Day Holiday – Office Closed

Sun. Jul. 7^th           * Supply Priest – The Rev. Mary Hansley

Mon. Jul. 8^th          * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Tue. Jul. 16^th         * CAPS Board of Directors meeting – 3:00 – 4:30 pm (WRPC)

Tue. Aug. 6^th                   * National Night Out Celebration – Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire

                             Department – 6:00 – 9:00 pm

____________________________________________________________

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, Bruce, Bob, Natalie, Leone, Carolyn, Dwight, and the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE.

 

Those affected by tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Elsie

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. C. Derek & Pam Pringle.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Francisco Moreno of Northern Mexico.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Marion Kirkpatrick and Francis X Flynn by Susan & Steven.

 

Birthdays in June

Sarah 01                      G. Lee 01

Leone 09                     Bryan 15

Jacob 19                      Allison 23

Toni 29

 

Anniversaries in June

Paul & Sharon 14        Bert & Anne 21

Jim & Margaret 26      Marvin & Alice 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 Twitter: @rectorstjohns10

 

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 June 2 - 1 Kings 18:20-40; Elijah's Triumph over the Priests of Baal

1 Kings 18:20-40

Elijah’s Triumph over the Priests of Baal

 

Background: The book of 1 Kings is part of larger text in the Hebrew Bible that comprises 1 and 2 Kings. These books provide a continuous literary account of Israel’s history from the death of David (ca. 970 BCE) to King Jehoiachin’s release from prison in Babylon (561/560 BCE). 1 Kings 13-22 provides an account of King Ahab and his son Ahaziah.

 

Theme: In this selection the priests of Baal are prominent, partly because of Ahab’s apostasy with Jezebel. The reader is presented with the details of the challenge between יהוה’s prophet and Baal’s prophets – with יהוה’s prophet winning in the contest with Baal.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read 1 Kings 18:20-40. Briefly identify the setting for today’s text – what has been taking place in Israel, the state of the nation (divided or united or something else), etc.

* Identify the following locations, people, and items: Mount Carmel and the Kishon Valley (Wadi Kishon); Elijah and Ahab; the time of the evening sacrifice.

* What or who is Baal? Why do you think Baal has developed a prominence in Israel? Where does Baal worship arise from?

* The phrase “…you waver between two options…” can alternately be translated as “…you go limping on two crutches…” What do you think the author is saying or implying in that statement? Which seems to make more sense in the text? Even with the confusing phrase, what do you think the author is relating about Elijah’s mood and/or intent?

* What might the significance be in Elijah’s claim that, “The god who answers by fire – he is God.” be focused on? Why might the author use fire as the test between יהוה and Baal?

* Elijah seems to make ridiculous statements about Baal – being deep in thought, relieving himself, or sleeping; all with the intent of inciting or ridiculing his opponents. For what reason do you think Elijah is portrayed as taunting the followers of Baal?

* Why might the priests of Baal slash themselves with swords and spears?

* What seems incredible about Elijah’s prowess and the prowess of Baal’s prophets?

* What might the significance be with Elijah having the people pour four jars of water on the sacrifice three different times? How would the occurrence of 3 times 4 (12 times) be important in the spiritual life of Israel?

* In verse 36, the author identifies יהוה as “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel” which seems different than previous descriptions (substituting Jacob for Israel). What might the implication of the distinction as “Israel” as opposed to “Jacob” be?

* Why might Elijah command the people to capture and destroy the prophets of Baal?

* What do you think the implication of this story was in Elijah’s day?

* What is the challenge for us in 21^st century Suffolk?

Parishioners in the News - A Valedictorian in our midst

An excerpt from the Suffolk News Herald article about the King's Fork High School Valedictorian for 2013 - Laura Smith. Not only is she a wonderful student she has been a member here for a long time and helps with our nursery from time to time.

"KFHS valedictorian looks for international challenge
When Laura Smith learned unofficially at the end of March that she would be King’s Fork High School’s 2013 valedictorian, the news came as a surprise..."

Take a look and give Laura a shout when you see her next.

http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2013/05/17/ready-to-get-out-there/

Parishioners in the news...

Parishioners in the news. A week ago, our own Kevin Brady (husband of Terry Jones-Brady) was featured in the Sunday Break. An excerpt of the story is:

"Kevin Brady fell for a set of gentle curves only to be left with a broken heart. The curves belonged to the sleek, mahogany hull of a 1947 Chris-Craft owned by Kevin’s best friend, Denny Landerman. Rebuilding the boat for nearly a decade was the joy of Denny's life. Kevin joined in with the hard work and sweat as they replaced the bright chrome fittings, hammered thousands of wood dowels into the planking and made the hull shine with 21 coats of varnish..."

Please take a look at the article at this link - it's a fabulous article.
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/05/old-boat-3

Happy Memorial Day!
Les+

Trinity Sunday Reflection and Sermon

Happy Trinity - the celebration of the intersection of God the Father (and Creator), God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit with humanity. It was a blessing to welcome visitors from far and wide - as far away as New Mexico and another priest from our Diocese. Sunday School took an in depth look at "Woman Wisdom" and how knowledge about God and the wisdom to apply our knowledge of God to our right relationship with our community.

There was a wonderful celebration of the Trinity during worship today. Our sermon looked at the Trinity and the belief that we can't simply not talk about the Trinity because it is too confusing or too complicated to understand. We reflected about how the Trinity is a description of the relationship between humanity and God; the promise that we would "get it" when the time was right. We wondered about what it means for us to be connected and searching for God in the story and telling God what we see as God's part in the story. The blessing of the Trinity.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/zNPLc8

St. John's e-News for Sunday May 26 - Trinity Sunday

Driveway Issues – The ongoing rains have eroded a portion of the entrance in front of the Parish House. Please be careful as you enter the driveway until repairs can be made. On an associated note, there is a lot of soft ground and standing water behind the Parish House so please be careful if you drive behind the building.

 

Episcopal Relief for Oklahoma Tornado Victims – There is a handout in the Order of Service for the week identifying a way to provide assistance to those affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. This in-gathering is being conducted by Episcopal Relief and Development.

 

Welcome to Our Guest Organist– Our Minister of Music is away this Sunday. Please extend a hearty welcome to our guest organist, Mr. Thom Robertson. He has a history with St. John’s dating back to Bishop Wright’s tenure with the Church. Most recently he was the Minister of Music at Grace Church in Alexandria Virginia. He will also be with us in two week’s time on June 9.

______________________________________________________________

May 26, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the First Sunday after Pentecost: Trinity Sunday

First Lesson:  Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31

Psalm:  Psalm 8

Second Lesson:  Romans 5:1-5

Gospel:  John 16:12-15

 

Lay Participants for May 26, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Suze

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Anne and Bert

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  No volunteer

 

Sermon for Sunday, May 19: http://chirb.it/C9EaGq

______________________________________________________________

Vestry Special Election – Due to Joe’s resignation from the Vestry, we will hold a special election to fill the vacancy for the remainder of his term (through 2014). Please prayerfully consider if you are called to serve in this leadership position. For more information contact any Vestry Member, the Rector, or Don.

 

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.

 

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 8 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.

 

Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry – The spring Fish Fry fundraiser for the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Saturday June 8 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Please come out and support our local all volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Be on the lookout for more information about the ticket cost and locations to purchase tickets.

 

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 8:1-36, “’The Gifts of Wisdom’ and ‘Wisdom’s Part in Creation’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the Old Testament lesson 1 Kings 18:20-40, “Elijah’s Triumph over the Priests of Baal” 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 – Community: For all our differences, we are knit together in one body. In the power of the Spirit, we are made one people. A unity of diversity; diversity within a unity.

-Br. Mark Brown

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Sun. May 26^th       * Growth Team Meeting – following worship (Parish Hall)

Mon. May 27^th      * Memorial Day – Office closed

Fri. May 31^st         * Deadline for Newsletter submissions to Terry Jones-Brady

Wed. Jun. 5^th        * Outreach Committee meeting – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Sat. Jun. 8^th         * Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry

Mon. Jun. 10^th       * Rector Continuing Education through Jun. 14^th

                             * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sun. Jun. 16^th        * Father’s Day

Mon. Jun. 24^th       * Rector Vacation through July 7^th

Thu. Jul. 4^th          * Independence Day Holiday – Office Closed

Tue. Jul. 16^th        * CAPS Board of Directors meeting – 3:00 – 4:30 pm (WRPC)

Tue. Aug. 6^th         * National Night Out Celebration – Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire

                             Department – 6:00 – 9:00 pm

____________________________________________________________

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, Bruce, Bob, and Natalie.

 

Those affected by tornadoes in Texas and Oklahoma.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Nick & Tina

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. David Mulready of North West Australia.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Ben and Minnie, Marlene’s Parents, by Fred & Marlene.

 

Birthdays in May

Claudia 10                   Margaret 10

Steve 14                      Sterling 15

Christine 17                 Mary 22

Bert 24

 

Anniversaries in May

Jim & Susan 14           Joe & Mary-Margaret 24

Alan & Sarah 25         Dennis & Rusty 31

 

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 5/26 - Proverbs 8:1-36; The Gifts of Wisdom and Wisdom's Part in Creation

May 26, 2013 – 1 Pentecost

Proverbs 8:1-36

The Gifts of Wisdom

Wisdom’s Part in Creation

 

Background: The book of Proverbs is a portion of the Hebrew Scripture referred to as wisdom literature. It generally is grouped with but the antithesis of Job and Ecclesiastes along with other parts of Hebrew Canon. This book is formally entitled “The Proverbs of Solomon, Son of David, King of Israel” which leads to its connection to other books by Solomon.

 

Theme: Chapter 8 provides insights into the formation of Woman Wisdom and the gifts that are provided to people who are observant of Wisdom. This chapter lies in contrast to the preceding chapter that paints a picture of the “evil” side of wisdom. The authors lay out an image of God “begetting” Wisdom before the beginning of the earth.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Proverbs 8:1-31 and skim Proverbs 7. Briefly describe who the author is supposed to be; when this might book have been written; and what the state of affairs in Israel is.

* In chapter 8, who or what do you think Woman Wisdom is? Why do you think the bible writers equate Wisdom with the feminine?

* What do you think the relationship is between God and Wisdom? Do you think they are separate “entities” or are they part and parcel on the Creator?

* Proverbs 7 supposedly identifies traits of Wisdom’s “evil” counterpart. What do you think the difference is between these “twins”?

* What, if anything, do you think is the difference between wisdom and understanding (v.1)?

* Do you think all have the opportunity to receive Wisdom? Why might someone not respond when called by Wisdom (v. 4)?

* How do you think Wisdom speaks righteousness (v. 8)? Or, how might Wisdom’s words be righteousness?

* How might Wisdom’s instruction be better than silver (v. 10) yet Wisdom state that “riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and prosperity” (v. 18)?

* What do you think it means when Wisdom claims “The Lord created me at the beginning of his work… before the beginning of the earth.”?

* Do you think that Wisdom is part of God? Created by God? Or something that is a combination of both – part creation and part God?

* How might Wisdom be part of the group “us” (often referred to as elohim/אֱלֹהִ֔ים in Genesis)?

* How does Wisdom tell humans how to know what is wise instruction, something that is not to be neglected, especially given the presence of Woman Wisdom’s “evil twin”?

* How might Wisdom provide life?

* What do you think was this prophesy’s purpose in its day?

* What is the action that comes from this passage for us in our life and ministry?