An update on the Sanctuary Roof replacement

Progress continues on the Sanctuary roof. Deposit has been received by Andrews Roofing, Enviroshake Rep has made contact with the plant in Ontario, Historic Landmark Commission has approved the replacement. We're getting excited!

If anyone would like to "purchase a bundle of shingles" let me know and we'll make sure appropriate recognition is given when the time comes.

St. John's e-News for November 3, 2013

Parish Fall Work Day – Thank you to all who made the Parish workday a success. Please give a special thank you to Kevin for the dedicated work he did in preparation for last Saturday.

 

The Return to Standard Time – This coming Sunday we will return to Standard time by falling back one hour. Please make sure to reset your clocks and revel in the extra hour of sleep.

 

Fall Parish Potluck – The fall potluck luncheon will be held this Sunday, Nov. 3. The potluck will follow the unveiling of Bill Potter’s headstone.

______________________________________________________________

November 3, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 26)

First Lesson:  Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

Psalm:  Psalm 119:137-144

Second Lesson:  2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12

Gospel:  Luke 19:1-10

 

Lay Participants for November 3, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Kathy

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Gary and David

 

Refreshments:  Parish Potluck

 

Sermon for Sunday, Oct. 27: http://chirb.it/12vDP2

______________________________________________________________

Advent Supper and Program – The Rector is planning on offering a short, three week program Wednesday evenings during Advent, Dec. 4, 11, and 18. There will be a simple soup supper and discussion beginning at 6:30 and ending at 8:00. We plan on completing a survey of Advent, its meaning, and practice. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.

 

Cleaning the Parish House – It’s time for a little “fall cleaning.” We’re looking for a few people to help neaten/clean up the rooms in the Parish House. Places needing attention include the boiler room, stairwell, and couch room. If things go well, we could also attack some of the things in the attic.

 

Fall Wednesday Book Study – We are studying the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. This week we will discuss Chapter 5 “Practices of Prayer: Retreats and Journaling, Sacramental Confession, and Spiritual Direction”. All are welcome to attend, even if you have not attended any of the previous days. Fr. Ferguson has a book to borrow if necessary and if you would like to participate please contact Fr. Ferguson or Margaret.

 

The Benefits of Membership at St. John’s – You may wonder “what are the benefits of being a member at St. John’s and what does it cost to be a member?” The easier answer is the cost: it costs whatever God puts on your heart in pledge or in offering – no one keeps track of what a member gives. The benefits: intrinsically there are no special bonuses to being a member. However, membership allows people a vote in the governance of the Parish and its mission. If you have any other questions about membership please contact the Rector, one of the Vestry members, or Don in the Parish 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 119:137-144 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 Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, “’The Prophet’s Complaint’ and ‘God’s Reply to the Prophet’s Complaint’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Haggai 1:15b-2:9, “’The Command to Rebuild the Temple’ and ‘The Future Glory of the Temple’.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Suffolk Night Stay Program – The Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) is preparing to start a winter homeless shelter in the City of Suffolk. It is a distinction that Suffolk is the only City in Tidewater that does not have a homeless program. The vision of the Night Stay Program is to provide overnight lodging, dinner and breakfast for homeless people in Suffolk. CAPS is striving to begin January 1, 2014 and can provide more information about the mechanics of hosting – whether a church is a solo host or a number of churches partner to host for a week. Contact the rector for more information.

 

Thought for the week – Covenant: A covenant is about relationship, a relationship that invites and presumes a transformative change in both parties. In the context of our seeking out, meeting, welcoming the stranger, we may even discover God’s revelation to us, in ways beyond which we could have asked or imagined.

- Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

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

Sat. Nov. 3^rd          * All Saints’ Sunday

                             * Parish Potluck – Following Service

Wed. Nov. 6^th        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Fri. Nov. 8^th           * Sanctuary reserved for Bradshaw/Hudson wedding

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

Sun. Nov. 10^th        * Growth Team meeting – Following worship (Parish Hall)

Mon. Nov. 11^th        * Veteran’s Day – Office closed

Wed. Nov. 13^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Garden Club Meeting – 3:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Nov. 18^th        * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish

                             House

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

Wed. Nov. 20^th      * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Sun. Nov. 24^th        * Community Thanksgiving Service

Thu. Nov. 28^th        * Thanksgiving – Office Closed

____________________________________________________________

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, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Lon, Barbara, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Rick, Kathy, Tony, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Opal, Elvira, Eddie, Pam, and Dorothy.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Burr & Jennifer

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Chjioke Augustine Aneke – The Bishop of Udi, Nigeria.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Ellen B. Taylor and Herbert S. Taylor, Jr., Mother and Brother; by Alice and Marvin.

 

Birthdays in October

Terry 30

 

Birthdays in November

Dianne 04                    Doug 11

Eddie 13                     Steven 16

Kathy 28                     Dotty 29

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Cell:  757-418-0063

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Minister of Music Roger Peyton

e-mail: rogerpeyton1945@gmail.com

 

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 Nov. 3 - Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; The Prophet's Complaint and God's Reply

Nov 3, 2013 – 24 Pentecost

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

The Prophet’s Complaint

God’s Reply to the Prophet’s Complaint

Background: The Book of Habakkuk is an account of one of the Lesser Prophets in the Hebrew Bible and occupies a place in the Scroll of the Twelve. This book provides little direct historical or personal information about the prophet making the setting difficult to place. Many believe Habakkuk was a contemporary of Jeremiah and addresses the theological issue of theodicy (the presence of evil in God’s creation).

Theme: Chapter 1 levies the first complaint to God stemming from Israel’s perception that God has forgotten them. Chapter 2 provides the beginning of God’s response to the complaint lodged in Chapter 1. In this selection, Habakkuk is both protesting the apparent breakdown of order in the world and receiving God’s response to the human complaint.

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Habakkuk 1:1-2:5.
* While difficult to place in time, briefly describe the situation in the nation of Israel: what was the religious, social, and political nature when Habakkuk was writing?
* What do you believe happened to supposedly cause Israel to question God’s providence and the continuation of God’s preordained order?
* How does this book resemble other books conveying Israel’s lament?
* In Chapter 2:1, what do you think Habakkuk is watching for?
* What do you think God’s response to Habakkuk is trying to provide for Israel in their plight?
* What do you find as odd in God’s command in 2:2, specifically, “…make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it.”? How is this different than other prophets in Habakkuk’s era?
* Why do you think God almost condemns the proud because “there spirit is not right with them” yet praises the “righteous” (without identifying who they are) simply for their faith?
* How do you understand the question of theodicy (the presence of evil in the world)?
* Why might God allow evil to be present?
* What are your feelings about God’s response to Habakkuk? Do you think God could have done more to describe the plan and order God was maintaining?
* What do you perceive as Habakkuk’s message to the Israelites?
* How is this book a story of hope for God’s people?
* What applications can we draw from this passage (of note, this passage may not stand alone in leading to an application)?

Reflection and Sermon for October 27, 2013

Friends:

It is a blessing to have fall upon us even if it means the heater is on in the Parish House. 5 around the table for Formation class this morning was a joy and we took a look at the prophet Joel and what he has to offer the Jews of his era and all people in our world. Our lives are not simply a journey from trouble to trouble but an excursion in God's abundance and presence in all our lives.

In worship we looked at the signs that God is all around us in our life? It is hard to argue that God is not all around us - God is part and parcel in all creation. We, both individually and our church, are known by the stripes we show and the life we live; we are also known by the story we tell and live about the presence of God in our life (whether in words or not). We have heard Paul in his letter to Timothy tell us how he perceives God present - and his perception is important to overcome the obstacles to faith in his day. The way we tell our story about God present (our theology) is important to how we help others find God at work and God's abundance always present.

I invite your comments,

Les+

http://chirb.it/12vDP2

St. John's e-News for October 27, 2013

Parish Fall Work Day - We will come together on Saturday, October 26^th at 8:00 am to do some much-needed yard work. Many hands make light work and a lot of the pruning is already accomplished. Rakes, shovels (snow shovels may work too), and pitch forks, are among the preferred tools this weekend but bring what you think you might need. All are invited to help.

 

Chuckatuck Founders’ Day – This Saturday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, the Greater Chuckatuck Historical Foundation is sponsoring the Second Annual Founders’ Day. The festivities begin at 10:00 with the parade starting near the intersection of King Hwy and Godwin Blvd. The remainder of the day’s events will take place at the Fire Department and Wesley Chapel. Come by and enjoy the day, including music by the Rhondels from 1:00 to 4:00.

 

Fall Parish Potluck - There will be a potluck luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 3. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. The potluck will follow the unveiling of Bill Potter’s headstone.

______________________________________________________________

October 27, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 25)

First Lesson:  Joel 2:23-32

Psalm:  Psalm 65

Second Lesson:  2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Gospel:  Luke 18:9-14

 

Lay Participants for October 27, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Suze

Lector:  Bernice

Prayers:  Suze

Ushers:  Gary and Marcella

 

Refreshments:  Last week’s bounty – needs to be set up

 

Sermon for Sunday, Oct. 20: http://chirb.it/5OkIrO

______________________________________________________________

Daylight Savings Ends – Next Sunday morning, November 2, we will return to Standard Time by setting our clocks back an hour. Please make a reminder to reset your clocks.

 

Cleaning the Parish House – It’s time for a little “fall cleaning.” We’re looking for a few people to help neaten/clean up the rooms in the Parish House. Places needing attention include the boiler room, stairwell, and couch room.  We may need to help Roger and the choir in the Children’s Chapel. If things go well, we could also attack some of the things in the attic.

 

Fall Wednesday Book Study – We are studying the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. This week we will discuss Chapter 4 “Prayer Through the Centuries”. If you would like to participate please contact Fr. Ferguson or Margaret.

 

The Benefits of Membership at St. John’s – You may wonder “what are the benefits of being a member at St. John’s and what does it cost to be a member?” The easier answer is the cost: it costs whatever God puts on your heart in pledge or in offering – no one keeps track of what a member gives. The benefits: intrinsically there are no special bonuses to being a member. However, membership allows people a vote in the governance of the Parish and its mission. If you have any other questions about membership please contact the Rector, one of the Vestry members, or Don in the Parish office.

 

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 65 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.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Joel 2:23-32, “’God’s Response and Promise,’ and ‘God’s Spirit Poured Out’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4, “’The Prophet’s Complaint’ and ‘God’s Reply to the Prophet’s Complaint’.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Suffolk Night Stay Program – The Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS) is preparing to start a winter homeless shelter in the City of Suffolk. It is a distinction that Suffolk is the only City in Tidewater that does not have a homeless program. The vision of the Night Stay Program is to provide overnight lodging, dinner and breakfast for homeless people in Suffolk. CAPS is striving to begin January 1, 2014 and can provide more information about the mechanics of hosting – whether a church is a solo host or a number of churches partner to host for a week. Contact the rector for more information.

 

Thought for the week – Gift: What we can know is the truth of our own lives: all that we are and all that we hold is a gift, entrusted to us for a very short while on this earth. The Lord gives; the Lord takes away. Be prepared to give away what inevitably is taken away at death. Have a plan that fits your life. Let your plan spring from your prayer, that all of your life be hallowed.

- Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. Oct. 24^th       * CAPS 1^st Anniversary Celebration – 7:00 pm (Suffolk Christian

                             Church)

Sat. Oct. 26^th       * Fall Parish Work Day – 8:00 am

                             * Chuckatuck Founder’s Day – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

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

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

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

Wed. Nov. 6^th        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Fri. Nov. 8^th          * Sanctuary reserved for Bradshaw/Hudson wedding

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

                             Wedding

Sun. Nov. 10^th        * Growth Team meeting – Following worship (Parish Hall)

Mon. Nov. 11^th        * Veteran’s Day – Office closed

Wed. Nov. 13^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Mon. Nov. 18^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00-9:00 pm (Parlor)

Wed. Nov. 20^th      * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Sun. Nov. 24^th        * Community Thanksgiving Service

____________________________________________________________

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, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Rick, Kathy, Ronald, Leone, Dwight, Tony, Carolyn, Gilbert, 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: Anne & Bert

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Bernard Oringa Balmoi – Bishop of Torit, Sudan.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Ellen B. Taylor and Herbert S. Taylor, Jr., Mother and Brother; by Alice and Marvin.

 

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 Oct. 27 - Joel 2:23-32; God's Response, Promise, and Spirit Poured Out

October 27, 2013 – 23 Pentecost

Joel 2:23-32

God’s Response and Promise

God’s Spirit Poured Out

Background: The Book of Joel is the second book in the Masoretic book of the Twelve Prophets. Joel (meaning the Lord [יהוה] is God in Hebrew) is a prophet, most likely in post-exilic Israel. The book spans not only the classic prophetic works but also speaks of the apocalypse through the use of liturgy. Joel introduces the theme of restoration following the attack of the “army (of locust)” by יהוה’s hand. Joel opens the door to the theme of the Lords’ day in later works.

Theme: This passage marks the transition from God’s demand for Israel’s Lament ceremony into God’s oracles of restoration for Israel. This passage is the first and second series of oracles of restoration pronounced by God through Joel for “all the people” to hear so they may believe in God’s promise.

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Joel 2:18-32.

* What is the setting and function of the book of Joel? When do you think the book was written? Given that composition date, who is in charge politically and spiritually in Israel?

* What does the imagery of the locust attacking or eating all the crops conjure for you? What might the imagery of the locust been a reminder of for the Israelites?

* How might this passage have shaped the development of the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost found in the New Testament?

* Do you think the message of salvation and reconciliation, offered in verses 28 and 29, is a message of universal salvation? How is this message of salvation understood in Christian terms?

* What might the differences in the visionary methods; prophesy, dreams, and visions; listed in verse 28?

* The declaration in verse 32, “Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved…” seems absolute (if you ask you will be saved). How does this perception agree or disagree with other Scripture and your experience?

* Why might the allusion to the Exodus appear in verses 30 and 31? Do you think Joel is portraying this vision as the “new Exodus” – God’s deliverance from the world on the Lord’s Day?

* Verse 32 seems to say that there will be other survivors in Jerusalem alongside those who have been called by God. What are your thoughts about this possibility? Might there be some who survive the “coming of the unholy army [the army of locust]” who aren’t numbered among the chosen ones of God?

* What might have been challenging to the Israelites in Joel’s day and for the early Christians?

* How might this passage shape the works and outlook of the believers?

* How might this passage be translated into God’s message of redemption in our present society and social structure?

* How are you challenged by God through this passage?

* What is the message of hope we (at St. John’s) share from this passage?