Reflection for June 23

I pray you had a wonderful Sunday on the 5^th Sunday after the Pentecost it was a joyful celebration of our life together in church today. It was another Sunday with the Prophet Elijah: We saw a bit of Elijah's humanity and the fears of God's faithful prophet when the world closes in. Elijah helps us see that the cyclical nature of life is to be expected and embraced. We looked at how we might be at any place in the cycle of life with God and how we are encouraged to be present with each other as we travel along the cycle of life - not only as individuals but as worshiping bodies of faithful believers. I invite your comments.

 

There will be a break in sermons as I’ll be away on vacation for the next two weeks and the supply clergy will most likely not record their sermons. Enjoy the two weeks off and I’ll see you in July.

 

Peace,

Les+

http://chirb.it/78ps03

St. John's e-News for Sunday June 16, 2013

Tony’s Accident – Tony continues to recover and improve following his accident in the beginning of June. I spoke with Marvetta and he has been moved from the Burn-Trauma Intensive Care Unit to the 9^th Floor Rehabilitation Unit. It looks like he will be in the hospital for a while longer and it will also be a while before he is able to return to Church as it is difficult for him to get up and down steps. Please continue to keep the V’s in your prayers.

 

The Rector’s Vacation – Fr. Ferguson will be on vacation from June 24 through July 7. During his absence we will welcome The Rev. Mollie Turner on June 30 and The Rev. Mary Hansley on July 7. During Fr. Ferguson’s absence please contact the Senior Warden, Leone, on her cell in case of Pastoral emergencies and she will contact the appropriate people.

______________________________________________________________

June 23, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 7)

First Lesson:  1 Kings 19:1-15

Psalm:  Psalm 42

Second Lesson:  Galatians 3:23-29

Gospel:  Luke 8:26-39

 

Lay Participants for June 23, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Leone

Prayers:  Bernice

Ushers:  Gary

Nursery Attendant:  Taylor

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  To be identified

 

Sermon for Sunday, June 16: http://chirb.it/bGs2Op

______________________________________________________________

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.

 

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.

 

5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army – Saturday, June 29, is St. John’s turn with assisting at serving the lunch at the Salvation Army. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Terry or the Rector.

 

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.

          There are photographs available that provide details about the state of the Sanctuary Roof in the Church Office.

 

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 42 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 448, “O love, how deep, how broad, how high” (Deus tuorum militum) 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 19:1-15a, “’Elijah Flees from Jezebel’ and ‘Elijah Meets God at Horeb’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. We will take a break for the two Sundays when the Rector is on vacation but will restart classes when he returns. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

 

Thought for the week – Grace: We are recipients of undeserved grace, of a love that overlooks the arrogance, pride, and self-centeredness of our hearts, of a kindness that forgives our haughtiness.

- Br. David Vryhof, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

Sat. Jun. 29^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at the Salvation Army

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, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Leone, Dwight, Tony, and the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Bryan & Karen

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

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Solomon Amusan of Ibadan, Nigeria.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in honor of the people and Parish of St. John's by Juanita.

 

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 Facebook:

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Christian Formation Guide for June 23 - 1 Kings 19:1-15; Elijah Flees from Jezebel and Meets God at Horeb

June 23, 2013 – 5 Pentecost

1 Kings 19:1-15

Elijah Flees from Jezebel

Elijah Meets God at Horeb

 

Background: The book of 1 Kings is an account of the Kings of Israel from David’s death through King Jehoshaphat’s death (the grandson of Ahab). This selection follows Elijah’s destruction of the 450 prophets of Baal.

 

Theme: This passage details a second instance of Elijah fleeing for his life from Jezebel and Ahab. This passage provides insight into the nature of God interacting with his prophets and the protection and wisdom God provides for his chosen people. This passage is reminiscent of the stories in the Pentateuch and is reminiscent of Moses’ call and interaction with God.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Briefly describe the situation in Israel: the political, social, and religious dynamics of the nation. Identify the following locations: Beersheba, Mount Horeb, Damascus, and Aram. How are these places significant in the story of the combined nation of Israel and the northern tribes?

* What is odd about the dynamics in verses 1 and 2 with respect to who is most offended by the killing of the prophets of Baal and the condemnation of Elijah?

* Why might Elijah flee to Beersheba and what is odd about the distance between the previous story in Carmel and this story in Beersheba and at Mount Horeb?

* Why might Elijah leave his servant in Beersheba and go into the wilderness by himself? How does this journey into the wilderness compare with Elijah’s journey to the Wadi Kishon in a previous story?

* What might cause Elijah to ask God to die in verse 4?

* What strikes you as odd about the eating and drinking interlude in verses 5-7? How might two meals sustain Elijah for his forty day and forty night journey from Beersheba to Horeb?

* Why might God ask Elijah in verses 9 and 13 what he is “doing here,” especially since God had told him to go to the two places where he went?

* What is interesting about Elijah’s response to God in verses 10 and 14?

* Why do you think the writer chose “a great wind,” “an earthquake,” and “fire” as the places Elijah first looks for God? Why might Elijah not be able to find God in those places?

* How do you think Elijah knew that God was in the shear silence? Why might Elijah have covered his face with his mantle when he realized God was present?

* What role might Hazael of Aram play in the life of Israel, Judah, and the nation of Israel?

* Why might God choose to anoint a foreign king in the person of Hazael? How would Hazael’s selection as king (even when another might be king at the time) impact Israel’s future and their livelihood?

* What is the good news of this story for the Israelites in the period before Christ? How would this passage provide hope for the Israelites of its era?

* What is the story of hope for us? How do we see this passage apply to us in our life and ministry?

Reflection for Father's Day Sunday - June 16

Happy Fathers' Day! I bid blessings on a grand Sunday and a day to celebrate our heavenly Father as well as our fathers, fathers-in-law, and father figures in our life. Today we looked at the gifts we've been given by God and how we know they are present. We realize that once in a while God asks us "Do you not see me?" when we ask for assistance in discerning our mission. The challenge is to listen for God's presence in the still and mundane portions of our lives and not the fanfare.

 

I invite your comments,

Les+

 

http://chirb.it/bGs2Op

Reflection for Sunday June 9

Thankfully Andrea passed without too much issue - better safe than sorry.

We had a fabulous Sunday at the end of a busy week. We took a look, in Sunday School and in our sermon, at making real changes in our lives. Elijah shows us that making change comes from direct, attentive interaction with people and with God. By listening to our stories we hear, not just the data but the details of hopes, dreams, and fears. I invite your comments.

Les+

https://chirb.it/0F89sP

St. John's e-News for Sunday June 9, 2013

The Rector’s Continuing Education – Fr. Les will be at Virginia Seminary this coming week for continuing education. Regrettably, this absence coincides with Don’s absence from the office. In an emergency Fr. Les can be reached on his cell phone. However, if more immediate need arises please contact the Senior Warden, Leone Vigil on her cell (757-651-3681). During his absence, Rev. Ileana Rosario will be standing by for immediate clerical needs.

 

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.

 

Pat Pretlow’s Memorial Service – Mrs. Pat Pretlow, Anne Henderson’s sister-in-law, passed away this past Tuesday afternoon. Her memorial service will be held Friday, June 7 at 3:00 pm at Wesley Chapel.

______________________________________________________________

June 9, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 5)

First Lesson:  1 Kings 17: 8-24

Psalm:  Psalm 146

Second Lesson:  Galatians 1:12-24

Gospel:  Luke 7:11-17

 

Lay Participants for June 9, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Suze

Lector:  Suze

Prayers:  Jim

Ushers:  Steven and Marcella

Nursery Attendant:  Taylor

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Tina

 

Sermon for Sunday, June 2: http://chirb.it/G2wAeK

______________________________________________________________

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.

 

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.

 

Tony’s Accident – As mentioned earlier this week, Tony suffered an on-the-job accident on Tuesday. He is in Norfolk General Hospital in the Intensive Care Unit for the foreseeable future. He is not currently receiving guests but his family appreciates your prayers and cards.

 

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 146 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 671, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound” (St. Agnes) 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 17:8-24, “’The Widow of Zarephath’ and ‘Elijah Revives the Widow’s Son’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the Old Testament lesson 1 Kings 21:1-21, “’Naboth’s Vineyard’ and ‘Elijah Pronounces God’s Sentence’” 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 – Call: None of us is without a call. God’s call to each of us is continuous and ongoing. Be attentive to what it is that God is asking you to be or to do today. Trust that your weakness presents no obstacle to God. Do what you can. God will accomplish the rest.

- Br. David Vryhof

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

Sat. Jun. 29^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at the Salvation Army

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, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Bruce, Natalie, Leone, Dwight, Carolyn, and Tony, Carolyn, and the Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE.

 

Those affected by tornadoes in the Midwest.

 

Deceased: Pat

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Meriwether & Allen

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

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Graham James – The Bishop of Norwich, England; The Rt. Rev. Jonathan Meyrick – The Suffragan Bishop of Lynn, Norwich, England; The Rt. Rev. Alan Peter Winton – The Bishop of Thetford, Norwich, England.

 

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 9 - 1 Kings 17:8-24; Elijah in Zarephath

June 9, 2013 – 3 Pentecost

1 Kings 17:8-24

The Widow of Zarephath

Elijah Revives the Widow’s Son

 

Background: The book of 1 Kings is an account of the Kings of Israel from David’s death through King Jehoiachin’s release from prison in Babylon. This passage is situated in the account of King Ahab’s reign over Israel and the King’s apostasy through his marriage to Jezebel, a woman from Sidon and a worshiper of Baal.

 

Theme: Elijah’s interaction with the Widow of Zarephath occurs between the story of his miraculous survival in a dry streambed while being fed by crows and the destruction of 450 priests of Baal. This story can be seen as a means by which the writer proves Elijah’s status as God’s holy prophet.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read 1 Kings 17:8-24.

* What is the setting of today’s story? Where are Zarephath and Sidon and who the most likely resided in those two locations? How does this story fit with the story on Mount Carmel that follows sequentially?

* What do you think is distinctive about the counterparts to Elijah in this story, the widow and her son? What do you know about the status of widows in the Ancient Near East?

* As you read the story, what is odd about God’s claim in verse 9, “I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”?

* What do you think is ironic about the widow at the well and Elijah’s request for water? How does this story differ from others in the Old Testament where a male character meets a woman at a well and receives water from her?

* What do you find odd about the widow’s statement in verse 12 that she was “gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son; that we may eat it – and die.”?

* Why might Elijah ask the widow to prepare something for him first then for her and her son?

* What is striking about Elijah’s claim that “the flour would not be used up and the oil would not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.”? How might that statement be ominous about the future? How might that statement tie this story to the preceding stories in this book?

* How would you characterize the widow’s response to Elijah in verse 15?

* What do you find odd about the widow’s statement in verse 18, especially in light of her response in verse 15? Why would she accuse Elijah of killing her son?

* What, if anything, do you find troubling with Elijah’s prayer to God in verse 20? Why would Elijah accuse God of causing the widow’s son to die?

* Why do you think the writer used the “magical 3 times” when Elijah stretched himself over the widow’s son?

* What strikes you as odd when comparing the widow’s response to her son’s resurrection to the miracle of the flour and oil?

* What does this passage entail for us in our life as Christians?

* What is the challenge you see as you reflect on this passage about how you live in faith and trust of God’s active presence in your life?