St. John's e-News for Sunday August 4, 2013

National Night Out – Greater Chuckatuck will hold activities on Thursday, Aug. 6^th, from 6 – 9 pm at the Volunteer Fire Department. Come out and see what is being offered and wear you St. John’s t-shirt.

 

Sanctuary Roof Update – The Vestry has completed approximately 6 months’ research into the state of the Sanctuary Roof. In that period a number of contractors have been by to survey the roof; to recommend remediation measures; and provide proposals for remediation. On August 14 and 15 there will be a question and answer session regarding the roof followed by a Special Parish Meeting on August 18.

          A story board that presents one of the possible options is available in the Parish House, come by and take a look. Likewise there are photographs available that provide details about the state of the Sanctuary Roof in the Church Office.

 

New Service Music Offering – What are the Sursum Corda and the Proper Preface? Those are parts of the Eucharistic Prayer which can be chanted. Beginning next week we will sing the Sursum Corda, Response, and the Proper Preface using the form in the Hymnal, S120. We will practice them again today.

______________________________________________________________

August 4, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13)

First Lesson:  Hosea 11:1-11

Psalm:  Psalm 107:1-9, 43

Second Lesson:  Colossians 3:1-11

Gospel:  Luke 12:13-21

 

Lay Participants for August 4, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Kathy

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  David and Marcella

 

Refreshments:  No volunteer

 

Sermon for Sunday, July 28: http://chirb.it/0eE6gF

______________________________________________________________

Leaving a Lasting Impression – Would you like to leave your mark on the earth? Maybe your name or the name of loved ones. If you are interested in having an engraved brick in the St. John’s walkway Contact Bernice at 538-1237 or talk to her at church on Sunday and let her know you are interested in taking part in the project. The fee is $100.00 per brick and for that you get up to 3 lines with a maximum of 15 characters each line of dedication. If you haven’t noticed them before, they are located within the Trinity Garden area near the Parish House. Take a walk and check them out.

 

Catch the Spirit! – The “new: St. John’s t-shirt will be shown today following the worship service. Ordering information will be available. These shirts will look like the most recent one and are a fantastic way to get people talking about St. John’s. Short sleeve shirts are available for $12 ($14 for XXL and larger) and long sleeve shirts are available for $14 ($16 for XXL and larger). To see a shirt, talk with either Suze or Alice.

 

The Annual Crab Feast – On Sunday August 25 beginning at 5:00 pm, we will have our quarterly Fellowship Meal, the annual Blue Crab Feast. Old and new members are invited to catch up with old friends and meet our new parishioners over a fine feast of Crab and Brats (for those who do not or cannot eat crab). Bring your picking utensils if you have them, there are some available and if you’ve never picked a Blue Crab there will be expert pickers on hand to help navigate the crustacean cleaning. Beverages will be provided and the cost is still only $10. Contact Marcella at home evenings before 8:00 pm for more information. Sign up forms are available at Church.

 

Helping the Viola’s – Tony and Marvetta appreciate our prayers and good wishes. They would appreciate and gladly compensate anyone who might have some extra produce from the garden to share with them. Anything you have over and above what you would use would be appreciated. If you have something to share please contact Marvetta at home 255-2151 or on her cell 241-0888.

 

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

 

St. John’s Nursery – The Vestry has elected to take a break from staffing the nursery for the remainder of the summer. As such, the Seeking Sitter nursery attendant coverage will be away for the remainder of the summer. All children who attend worship are welcome in the service.

 

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 107:1-9, 43 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 663, “The Lord my God my shepherd is” (Crimond) 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.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Hosea “God’s Compassion Despite Israel’s Ingratitude” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, “The Wickedness of Israel.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Thought for the week – God: If God is love and God’s love is perfected in us, God’s own being and ours are somehow integral to each other. To put it more provocatively, God’s own being is in some way incomplete without your life, your love; my life, my love.

- Br. Mark Brown, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

                             Department – 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Wed. Aug. 7^th        * Outreach Committee Meeting – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Sat. Aug. 10^th        * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Aug. 12^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Wed. Aug. 14^th       * Sanctuary Roof Presentation – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Aug. 15^th        * Sanctuary Roof Presentation – 7:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Sun. Aug. 18^th        * Special Parish Meeting – following Worship (Sanctuary)

                             * Growth Team meeting – following Worship (Parish Hall)

Tue. Aug. 20^th        * Suffolk Night Stay Program planning meeting – 3:00 – 4:30 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

Sun. Aug. 25^th        * Annual Parish Crab Fest – 5:00 – 8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Sat. Sep. 14^th        * Diocesan Priest Ordination – 11:00 am (Christ & St. Luke’s)

____________________________________________________________

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, Clare, Steve, Rick, Kathy, Ronald, Dorothy, Leone, Dwight, Tony, Gilbert, Carolyn, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, 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: Claudia

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. James R. McDowell.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Johannes Seoka – Bishop of Pretoria, Southern Africa.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Memory of Schulyer Crane by Claiborne.

 

Birthdays in August

Nick 01                       Meriwether 01

Anne 06                      Shirley 07

Mary Kemple 13         Ben 26

Regina 29

 

Anniversaries in August

Bryan & Dianne 05                 Anne & John 10

Landy & Randy 29

 

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 Aug 4 - Hosea 11:1-11; God's Compassion & Israel's Ingratitude

August 4, 2013 – 11 Pentecost

Hosea 11:1-11

God’s Compassion Despite Israel’s Ingratitude

 

Background: The book of Hosea is appealing and difficult; appealing because it is the only stand-alone text of a Northern prophet remaining in the Old Testament. Difficult because the message does not always translate well and the prophecy is harsh. Yet, the text provides a special insight into the Northern tribes of the Nation of Israel. A difficulty in this passage is God’s apparent ambivalence and God changing his mind with respect to Israel.

 

Theme: This passage begins with an image of God as loving parent and Israel as willful and disobedient child. This is in contrast to the opening 3 chapters of this book. God explains how God can justifiably punish Israel for their disobedience yet because God is God Israel will not be punished forever. This passage retells Israel’s history – not only as a sign of hope but as a sign of justification.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Briefly describe the situation in Israel: the political, social, and religious dynamics of the nation.

* How does the image of God as parent and Israel as child resonate with our experience of God? How much of this image do you think is descriptive and how much of the image is proscriptive?

* Why do you think the prophet was given this image by God to share with Israel?

* Why might God compare Israel’s willful faithlessness to God’s loving faithfulness? Do you think Israel should have been aware of the juxtaposition of faith in this case? If so, why should they be aware and if not why not?

* Why do you think the prophet recounts Israel’s history in verses 3 and 4? What purpose do you think that serves for interpretation and understanding?

* How does verse 5 strike you when reflecting on God and what we know of God’s promises? Why would God “act” this way?

* How do you view verse 6, specifically: who is God punishing most for Israel’s willful disobedience? Why might that party be punished so badly?

* Do you think God’s punishment, either as warranted or as enacted, was meant to be permanent and eternal? How is this feeling supported or refuted by this passage?

* Verses 8 and 9 seem to indicate that God is vacillating between justifiably destroying Israel and fulfilling God’s promise to never forget Israel. How do you view these two verses? Do you think the intent of the passage is to show God changing God’s mind or something else?

* How does God justify God’s reluctance to destroy Israel completely?

* Describe your feeling about the imagery presented in verses 10 and 11. How does the image presented by the prophet depict Israel? Does this depict Israel as a co-equal with God or as a little child (not unlike someone who is afraid of thunder)?

* What do you see as the good news for the Israelites in Hosea’s age?

* How can we present this story as good news in our day?

* What applications do you draw from Hosea, God, and the Israelites in this passage?

Reflection for Sunday July 28

July comes to an end in a couple days – a blessed month that has been filled with recovery and presence. Today’s worship was no different as we looked at the long term relationship between this Church (not just this Church but all believers) and God. We looked at investing in God, one might say praying, is not like investing in human systems. The promise made by the Psalmist today (Psalm 85) is that God's past performance assures God's future performance (not like human financial institutions). We invest in God through our prayers; through asking, seeking, and knocking to find God present not only in the past and in the present but also in the future - the not yet. I invite your comments.

Les+

http://chirb.it/0eE6gF

Readings: Hosea 1:2-10; Psalm 85; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13

St. John's e-News for Sunday July 28

Helping the Viola’s – Tony and Marvetta appreciate our prayers and good wishes. They would appreciate and gladly compensate anyone who might have some extra produce from the garden to share with them. Anything you have over and above what you would use would be appreciated. If you have something to share please contact Marvetta at home or on her cell.

 

New Service Music Offering – What are the Sursum Corda and the Proper Preface? Those are parts of the Eucharistic Prayer which can be chanted. Beginning in August we will experiment with singing the Sursum Corda, Response, and the Proper Preface using the form in the Hymnal, S120. We will practice them a few times before the start date.

 

National Night Out – Greater Chuckatuck will hold activities on Thursday, Aug. 6^th, from 6 – 9 pm at the Volunteer Fire Department. Come out and see what is being offered and wear you St. John’s t-shirt.

______________________________________________________________

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

Lessons for the Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12)

First Lesson:  Hosea 1:2-10

Psalm:  Psalm 85

Second Lesson:  Colossians 2:6-19

Gospel:  Luke 11:1-13

 

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Suze

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Nick and Tina

 

Refreshments:  Tina

 

Sermon for Sunday, July 21: http://chirb.it/3Dgk92

______________________________________________________________

Catch the Spirit! – The “new: St. John’s t-shirt will be shown today following the worship service. Ordering information will be available. These shirts will look like the most recent one and are a fantastic way to get people talking about St. John’s.

 

Leaving a Lasting Impression – Would you like to leave your mark on the earth? Maybe your name or the name of loved ones. If you are interested in having an engraved brick in the St. John’s walkway Contact Bernice by phone or talk to her at church on Sunday and let her know you are interested in taking part in the project. The fee is $100.00 per brick. If you haven’t noticed them before, they are located within the Trinity Garden area near the Parish House. Take a walk and check them out.

 

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

 

Sanctuary Roof Update – The Vestry has completed approximately 6 months’ research into the state of the Sanctuary Roof. In that period a number of contractors have been by to survey the roof; to recommend remediation measures; and provide proposals for remediation. The Vestry will make a presentation of the findings and recommended solutions to the Parish shortly for information, discussion, and decision making. There are photographs available that provide details about the state of the Sanctuary Roof in the Church Office.

 

St. John’s Nursery – The Vestry has elected to take a break from staffing the nursery for the remainder of the summer. As such, the Seeking Sitter nursery attendant coverage will be away for the remainder of the summer. All children who attend worship are welcome in the service.

 

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 85 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 43, “All praise to thee, my God this night” (The Eighth Tune) 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.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Hosea 1:2-10, “’The Family of Hosea’ and ‘The Restoration of Israel’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Hosea 11:1-11, “God’s Compassion Despite Israel’s Ingratitude.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Thought for the week – Faith: Faith transforms us, empowers us, lifts us. It teaches us that love is stronger than hate, that good is stronger than evil, that hope is stronger than despair. It entrusts all to God, and with it we can live in hope and freedom, joy and peace

- Br. David Vryhof, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Fri. Jul. 26^th          * Newsletter inputs due to Terry Jones-Brady

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

                             Department – 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Wed. Aug. 7^th        * Outreach Committee Meeting – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

Sat. Aug. 10^th        * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Aug. 12^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sun. Aug. 18^th        * Growth Team meeting – following Worship (Parish Hall)

Tue. Aug. 20^th        * Suffolk Night Stay Program planning meeting – 3:00 – 4:30 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, Lon, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Clare, Steve, Rick, Kathy, Ronald, Dorothy, Leone, Dwight, Tony, Gilbert, Carolyn, the Terry family, the Arnold family, 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: Eddie

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Lauren McDonald; The Rev. Roy & Robyn Hoffman.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Bijay Nayak – Bishop of North India.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Memory of Jane-Ring Crane by Claiborne.

 

Birthdays in July

Thomas 08                   Elsie 12

Will 24                        Diane 24

Anthony 25                 Ann 29

 

Anniversaries in July

Fred & Marlene 18      Kevin & Terry 27

 

Birthdays in August

Nick 01                       Meriwether 01

Anne 06                      Shirley 07

Mary Kemple 13         Ben 26

Regina 29

 

Anniversaries in August

Bryan & Dianne 05                 Anne & John 10

Landy & Randy 29

 

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

What's new?

Did you ever wonder about the History of St. John's Church? Take a look at the History Page to find out a little bit more about the Parish; from its birth as an offshoot of the Jamestown Settlement in Upper Norfolk County as the West Parish, becoming the Chuckatuck Parish, then finally St. John's Church. I think you'll find it interesting reading.

Les+

Christian Formation for July 28 - Hosea 1:2-10; The Family of Hosea and the Restoration of Israel

July 28, 2013 – 10 Pentecost

Hosea 1:2-10

The Family of Hosea

The Restoration of Israel

 

Background: The book of Hosea is appealing and difficult; appealing because it is the only stand-alone text of a Northern prophet remaining in the Old Testament. Difficult because the message does not always translate well and the prophecy is harsh. Yet, the text provides a special insight into the Northern tribes of the Nation of Israel.

 

Theme: This passage opens with יהוה‘s condemnation of the Northern tribe for their apostasy and affiliation with the Canaanite religion in their region. This story describes the extent of יהוה’s accusation as well as the mitigation of יהוה anger against Israel and favor towards Judah.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Briefly describe the situation in Israel: the political, social, and religious dynamics of the nation.

Valley of Jezreel

* Why might Hosea be held as a special text to both Jew and Christians?

* What is known about Gomer and Diblaim?

* Discuss your impression of Gomer: what is her status when Hosea takes her as wife, how might she be representative of the Northern tribes?

* What strikes you as difficult about verses 4 and 5? Do you think the prophet is speaking allegorically or about both a person and a place or about something else?

* Why do you think the child born in verse 6 and in verse 8 have more complicated names? Whose child might they be?

* Critics argue that verse 7 may consist of original text and an editorial addition by a Southern prophet. Why might they believe that and how might that affect the interpretation of the text as presented?

* Do you think Gomer was unique among the people of Israel? Why or why not? What might יהוה’s description of Gomer be a generalization about society as opposed to a specific reference?

* What do you think the general message of the prophet Hosea is? How do you see Hosea hold up the relationship between יהוה and humanity in this book?

* How do you think Hosea’s marriage to Gomer could be interpreted as a hopeful situation for the Northern tribes of Israel?

* What do you see as the principle story within this selection of 9 verses?

* What might the message of hope be to the Nation of Israel?

* What might be the message of hope for us in this passage?

* How is יהוה challenging Israel to return to relationship with him in this passage?

* What is the message of hope for us today?

* What is the application of this passage for our relationship with God and with our society?