Christian Formation for October 6 - Lamentations 1:1-6; The Deserted City

October 6, 2013 – 20 Pentecost

Lamentations 1:1-6

The Deserted City

 

Background: The book of Lamentation has been described as “a work of art produced in response to a historical disaster.” This book has also been characterized as a text that encompasses the sorrows of the world. The text was most likely written in response to the destruction of Jerusalem and deportation to Babylon in 586 BCE. Often ascribed to Jeremiah, this text is anonymous as recorded in Hebrew Scripture. The book of Lamentations is written in the form of an Acrostic Poem, with each strophe (verse or trio of verses) starting with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.

 

Theme: This passage describes, in fairly graphic detail, the appearance of the deserted city of Jerusalem. Chapter 1 provides a moving description of Jerusalem as seen by the narrator (Vv 1-11b) and “Daughter Zion” (Vv 11c-22).

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Lamentations 1:1-6. Skim the remainder of Chapter 1 for context.

* What do you think a Lamentation, as delivered in the Bible, is?

* Given the frequency of appearance (the book of Job, many Psalms, and the book of Lamentations to name a few), for what reason do you think the Lamentations are important, especially in Hebrew Scripture?

* Scholars claim the Lament can be found helpful in providing hope to a person or group of people who are under stress or oppression. Why might they make that claim?

* In verse 4, why might the author’s description of the roads to Zion be one of mourning because no one is on them?

* Why might this text be important to the Israelites who had been exiled to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar?

* How do we make this text relevant to our society?

* What challenges do you find in this text?

* How do this text and the premise of the Lament match your experience?

Reflection for September 29th

Friends:

We had a good service and Sunday today. Fall is in the air and September is coming to a close and even a little rain as we closed the service. We looked at Jeremiah in formation and how God promises us to not send us away forever - that life will be restored. We had 23 in worship - even had 2 little ones present. We spent the sermon time looking at 1 Timothy 6:6-19 and how we are called to remember we came into the world with nothing and leave with nothing; that we should be content with the things we have. But our contentment should not lead us to complacency as we do God's work with those things. I invite your comments on the sermon.

Peace,
Les+

https://chirb.it/ts12LJ

St. John's e-News for Sunday Sep. 29, 2013

Fall Wednesday Book Study – This morning, we kicked off the Wednesday morning book study looking at the topic of Prayer. In the coming weeks we will study the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther, the assignment for October 2 is Chapter 1 “An Introduction to Spirituality”. If you would like to participate please contact Fr. Ferguson or Margaret.

 

Blessing of the Animals – Blessing of the Animals will be held on Oct. 6 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church, Smithfield. Fr. Ferguson will preside.

 

Fall Fish Fry – The Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department will hold a fish fry on Saturday, September 28^th. Come out and support our fire department. Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets are available at Bennett's Creek Pharmacy, Saunders Supply, Kelly's Nursery, Kitty's Beauty Salon, Farmers Feed & Seed, Chuckatuck Collectibles, Tidewater Motorcycles, or Trophy World in Newport News.

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September 29, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21)

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

Psalm:  Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16

Second Lesson:  1 Timothy 6:6-19

Gospel:  Luke 16:19-31

 

Lay Participants for September 29, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Kathy

Lector:  Kevin

Prayers:  Bernice

Ushers:  Gary and Lynn

 

Refreshments:  Tina

 

Sermon for Sunday, Sep. 22: http://chirb.it/IhsxJx

______________________________________________________________

Parish Fall Work Day - We will come together on Saturday, October 26^th to do some much-needed yard work. All are invited to help and then attend the Chuckatuck Founders Day festivities at the Fire Department.

 

Southeast Correctional Golf Tournament – The tournament will be held Oct. 4 at Nansemond River Golf Club. See the flyer in the Narthex.

 

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 Rogers 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 13 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. If you would like to purchase a brick please do so by September 20.

 

Unveiling a Headstone – Save the date! On November 3 immediately following our All Saints’ Day Worship service we will dedicate Mr. William A. Potter’s headstone. We hope to have his father-in-law, Mr. Eddie Cotten with us as we remember Bill’s life and honor his presence in our churchyard.

 

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 91:1-6, 14-16 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 489, “The great Creator of the worlds” (Tallis’ Ordinal) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, “Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Lamentations 1:1-6, “The Deserted City.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Bishop's Days for Everyone – Bishop's Days 2014 will be held October 12 at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach. Our Bishop's Days are a whole new experience - new ways to teach, learn, and share. There are "Ideas Worth Spreading" in Southern Virginia, so we're having our own TED-style conference. The talks are short, but long on inspiration. The day should give you new perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking. If you let it, it could change YOUR world.

 

Thought for the week – Interdependence: Self-sufficiency is a delusion, a dangerous delusion. We are all, to a degree, interdependent. It’s a fact of life. It’s true. And truth sets us free. Truth opens the door to grace. Truth opens the door to blessing. Even if we cringe to hear it.

- Br. Mark Brown, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Sep. 26^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Sep. 28^th        * Fish Fry – 4:00 – 7:00 pm (Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire

                             Department)

Wed. Oct. 2^nd        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. Oct. 3^rd         * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. Oct. 6^th         * Blessing of the Animals – 2:00 pm (St. Luke’s Church, Smithfield)

Wed. Oct. 9^th        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. Oct. 10^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Oct. 12^th        * Bishop’s Day for Everyone East – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

                             (Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach)

Mon. Oct. 14^th       * Office closed for Columbus Day

Wed. Oct. 16^th      * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. Oct. 17^th       * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Mon. Oct. 21^st       * Vestry Meeting – 7:00-9:00 pm (Parlor)

Wed. Oct. 23^rd      * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. Oct. 24^th       * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Oct. 26^th       * Chuckatuck Founder’s Day – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

                             * Fall Parish Work Day (tentative)

Sat. Nov. 2^nd         * Diocesan service of Repentance, Reconciliation, and Healing

                             11:00 am (Christ & St. Luke’s Norfolk)

Sat. Nov. 9^th         * Church and Parish House reserved – Bradshaw/Hudson Wedding

____________________________________________________________

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, Rick, Kathy, Ronald, Dorothy, Leone, Dwight, Tony, Gilbert, Carolyn, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Donna, Opal, and Elvira.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Barbara

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Tige E. & Courtney Newell

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Mark Allen Bourlakas – The Bishop of Southwestern Virginia.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in memory of Paul & Lib, by Barbara & David.

 

Birthdays in September

Bette 03                      Lizzie 10

Carroll 11                   Roger 14

Bob 15                        Elizabeth 16

Allen 17

 

Anniversaries in September

Charles & Lynn 01      Perk & G. Lee 11

 

Birthdays in October

Charles 09                   Sharon 20

Marvin 20                    Basil 25

Rusty 27                      Tina 27

Terry 30

 

Anniversaries in October

Les & Kathy 01          Pretlow & Mary-Kemple 04

Burr & Jennifer 08

 

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 Sep. 29 - Jeremiah 32:1-15; Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege

September 29, 2013 – 19 Pentecost

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege

 

Background: The book of Jeremiah is fairly unique as it provides commentary and criticism of the Israelites during two periods of subjugation interspersed with a period of religious reform. Jeremiah is a descendent of the Levitical priestly line and was a descendant of Abiathar. In the latter portion of this book Jeremiah attempts to provide hope for a nation under siege and in exile.

 

Theme: This narrative is a portion of the tales of Jerusalem under siege. In it we see Jeremiah’s prophecy against King Zedekiah as well as an implied assurance that Israel’s exile would not be permanent and that the nation would be reformed and recognized as God’s chosen people.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read all of Jeremiah 32:1-15.

* Identify the following: King Zedekiah, King Nebuchadrezzar, Hanamel, Shallum, and Baruch. What are their roles in Israel?

* Why might Jeremiah be imprisoned?

* What was Jeremiah’s three-part prophecy against Zedekiah and Judah/Israel?

* What reaction does Zedekiah have after hearing Jeremiah’s prophecy? Why might Zedekiah take the prophecy personally?

* What might it mean when the text states that Jeremiah had “the right of redemption by purchase” of Shallum’s land? From where does this authority originate?

* What might Baruch’s role be in the story recounted in the text? What might Baruch’s function be?

* Why might the text explicitly state that Jeremiah and Hanamel conducted their transaction in public? Do you think land transactions would normally be conducted in public or private?

* For what reason might Jeremiah have Baruch seal the agreement in a jar for posterity?

* What do you think the passage, verses 13-15, is trying to convey about Israel’s relationship with God – even amidst the pending exile?

* What might be the message of hope Jeremiah was telling the people of Israel in this story?

* How might that message be translated into our common lives?

* What is the application of Jeremiah’s prophecy and witness in our time and world?

* How does this passage challenge us to be better witnesses of God’s presence in our lives?

Reflection for Sep. 22, 2013

Greetings as September draws to a close and fall begins, today was wonderful at St. John’s. There was a good turn out as we continued our study of Jeremiah and delved into the pain that Jeremiah felt as he realized that the Israelites were going to fall through their own choice. The image of Jeremiah stands in contrast to society where people often say “they got what they deserved” when bad happens to someone.

 

In worship we looked at the “simple” statement that God exists in us and in creation and through God's existence we are drawn to reaction and emotion. We find ourselves driven to express that emotion when we observe the inconsistencies of life as believers or as people who live in community. God encourages us to be truthful about our emotions and to share them. In response to that truthfulness we are also encouraged to always look for God's reflection in all we do and see. Our life with God demands us to look forward, to realize we will have to address tough questions (The Washington Navy Yard), to live where we cannot simply give the same pat answer, and most importantly - to build bridges for others to see God in their lives.

How are you encouraged to live a faithful life in the tension of God's world and human fallibility? Some thoughts can be found in today's sermon.

 

I invite your comments,

Les+

 

http://chirb.it/IhsxJx

 

Readings: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; Psalm 79:1-9; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13

Blessing in mid-September

It is days like today that I realize I’m truly blessed to be at St. John’s. Today capped a great week of yard upkeep and upgrading. Steven finished his driveway marking project by installing reflectors on the posts that flank the driveway. Now it will be much safer for people to come to the Parish House after dark.

 

I also found an anonymous gift on the patio – a new bench. This will be a welcome addition and a fine replacement for the bench that finally gave up the ghost a couple weeks ago when the cast iron legs corroded through. I’ve performed a successful test of the stability and design of the bench and report all is well.

 

Bert and Charles visited with a cart and sprayer to help knock down the weeds growing along the bank of the pond and in many of the weedy gravesites. This summer has been terrible for weeds and they have been growing like weeds (pun intended) all summer. I hope this starts knocking the weeds back so we can better see the Church and some of the older graves on the grounds.

 

Most important though was a visit from Eddie Cotten (the second eldest member of the church at 95) this morning. He was out Central Virginia to take care of family business. He had stopped by to see his son-in-law's headstone that was put in the churchyard last week. It is fascinating to talk with him and find out more of the historic tidbits of the Church: the personalities (Lucy Upshur was one of the first liberated women in Chuckatuck, she wore pants and farmed), the hidden secrets (an unmarked grave plot someplace in the yard, a headstone that seems to have disappeared), and the nature of this Parish.

 

Most moving of his stories was his recounting of his time in the Marine Corps during WWII. He told me of his participation in the initial occupation force in Japan and his unit was the front line as USS MISSOURI sailed into Tokyo Bay for the surrender. I knew parts of that story but to hear more touched my heart.

 

These are the days that make me proud to be a member of this Church and our wonderful country.

St. John's e-News for September 22, 2013

Don’s Absence – Don will be gone until October 16^th. In his absence, Terry has volunteered to work in the office. If anyone would like to assist Terry, please contact her. Thank you Terry for you assistance.

 

Employment Opportunity – Lake Prince Woods is looking to fill a Floor Care Technician position at their facility. If you know of anyone who might be in need of a job or part-time job see the Rector.

 

Virginia Church History: Laws of Virginia, March, 1642-3 − 18^th Charles 1^st – ACT LI. (Popish recusants disabled from holding any offices.)  WHEREAS it is enacted at an Assembly in January 1641, that according to a statute made in the third year of the reigne of our soverign Lord King James of blessed memory, and that no popish recusants should at any time hereafter exercize the place or places of secret councellors, register or commiss: surveyors or sheriffe, or any other publique place, but be vtterly disabled for the same,…

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September 22, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 8:18-9:1

Psalm:  Psalm 79:1-9

Second Lesson:  1 Timothy 2:1-7

Gospel:  Luke 16:1-13

 

Lay Participants for September 22, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Bernice

Prayers:  Suze

Ushers:  Nick and Tina

 

Refreshments:  Marcella

 

Sermon for Sunday, Sep. 15: http://chirb.it/bnykpL

______________________________________________________________

Parish Fall Work Day - We will come together on Saturday, October 26^th to do some much needed yard work. All are invited to help and then attend the Chuckatuck Founders Day festivities at the Fire Department.

 

Fall Fish Fry – The Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department will hold a fish fry on Saturday, September 28^th. Come out and support our fire department. Tickets are $9 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets are available at Bennett's Creek Pharmacy, Saunders Supply, Kelly's Nursery, Kitty's Beauty Salon, Farmers Feed & Seed, Chuckatuck Collectibles, Tidewater Motorcycles, or Trophy World in Newport News.

 

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 to 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 13 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. If you would like to purchase a brick please do so by September 20.

 

Unveiling a Headstone – Save the date! On November 3 immediately following our All Saints’ Day Worship service we will dedicate Mr. William A. Potter’s headstone. We hope to have his father-in-law, Mr. Eddie Cotten with us as we remember Bill’s life and honor his presence in our churchyard.

 

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 79:1-9 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 471, “We sing the praise of him who died” (Breslau) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, “The Prophet Mourns for the People” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15, “Jeremiah Buys a Field During the Siege.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Bishop's Days for Everyone – Bishop's Days 2014 will be held October 12 at Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach. Our Bishop's Days are a whole new experience - new ways to teach, learn, and share. There are "Ideas Worth Spreading" in Southern Virginia, so we're having our own TED-style conference. The talks are short, but long on inspiration. The day should give you new perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking. If you let it, it could change YOUR world.

 

Thought for the week – Growth: We have deep roots in the past. But the function of roots is to provide nourishment for this season’s new growth, this season’s fruit. We sink roots in the past precisely to nourish the growing edge.

- Br. Mark Brown, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Wed. Sep. 18^th       * Outreach Meeting – 7:00-8:30 pm (Parish House)

Thu. Sep. 19^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Tue. Sep. 23^rd       * CAPS Board Meeting – 3:00 – 4:30 pm (WRPC)

Thu. Sep. 26^th       * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Sep. 28^th       * Fish Fry – 4:00 – 7:00 pm (Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire

                             Department)

Sun. Oct. 6^th         * Blessing of the Animals – 2:00 pm (St. Luke’s Church,

                             Smithfield)

Sat. Oct. 12^th        * Bishop’s Day for Everyone East – 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

                             (Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach)

Sat. Oct. 26^th        * Chuckatuck Founder’s Day – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

                             * Fall Parish Work Day (tentative)

Sat. Nov. 2^nd         * Diocesan service of Repentance, Reconciliation, and Healing

                             11:00 am (Christ & St. Luke’s Norfolk)

Sat. Nov. 9^th          * Church and Parish House reserved – Viola Wedding

____________________________________________________________

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, Rick, Kathy, Ronald, Dorothy, Leone, Dwight, Tony, Gilbert, Carolyn, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Debbie, Donna, Charles, and Opal.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Doug & Mac Gregory

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Kathleen & Rosser Bobbitt

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Brighton Vitta Malasa – The Bishop of Upper Shire, Central Africa.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in memory of Paul & Lib Brady, by Barbara Griggs & David Gardner.

 

Birthdays in September

Bette 03                      Lizzie 10

Carroll 11                    Roger 14

Bob 15                         Elizabeth 16

Allen 17

 

Anniversaries in September

Charles & Lynn 01      Perk & G. Lee 11

 

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

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