St. John's e-News for Dec. 1 - Happy New Year

Angel Tree – There are angels to pick up from the Suffolk Salvation Army Angel tree. If you take an angel please have the filled gift in by the end of the first week in December – the 6^th.

 

Christmas Poinsettias – It is time to place your order for the Christmas poinsettias.  The order form is included in the bulletin.  The deadline for getting your order in is Dec 15^th.  Additional order forms will be in the Narthex on the usher’s table.

 

Community Thanksgiving Service – Thank you to all who attended last Sunday’s Community Thanksgiving Service. Rev. Greg Ryan from Oakland Christian UCC gave a rousing and poignant sermon and the massed congregation rocked the house. Be on the lookout for more opportunities to get together with our local churches to help build and foster our life and ministry.

 

Stewardship – As the end of the year approaches your Vestry has been looking at the expected budget for 2014. Pledge cards, as our response to the thanks we have to give for the abundance bestowed on us by God, are forthcoming.

          Please take some time to consider your gift to the Church as we consider how we use those gifts to be God’s missionaries in the world and helping others have changed lives through their relationship with God. A projection of our expenses are available for any who want to see them and that information will be presented at the Annual meeting in January regardless.

          In coming months you will see how we are using the financial offerings you give are making real, tangible changes in people’s lives in Suffolk. I invite you to join us in our mission to tell God’s story of redemption through Jesus Christ in the world and to help us become more effective through your financial pledges.

______________________________________________________________

December 1, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the First Sunday of Advent

First Lesson:  Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm:  Psalm 122

Second Lesson:  Romans 13:11-14

Gospel:  Matthew 24:36-44

 

Lay Participants for December 1, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Kathy

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Gary and David

 

Refreshments:  Growth Team

 

Sermon for Sunday, Nov. 24: http://chirb.it/BBxF16

______________________________________________________________

Philippines Relief – Episcopal Relief and Development is gathering funds to assist recovery efforts in the Philippines. If you would like to give, let the Office/Rector know and we will forward to the Diocesan Office for consolidation.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Suffolk Meals on Wheels - The Meals on Wheels Program is looking for volunteers to deliver meals from Obici to shut ins and the elderly. If you are interested please contact Kitty Martin 377-6552 or Rosaland Worrell at Obici, 934-4911 for more info.

 

Fall Wednesday Book Study – We are studying the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. We will meet this coming Wednesday, December 4 to 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.

 

Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter together using a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Psalm 122 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 76, “On Jordan’s bank” (Winchester New) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

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.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Isaiah 2:1-5, “’The Future House of God’ and ‘Judgment Pronounced on Arrogance’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 11:1-10, “’The Peaceful Kingdom’ and ‘Return of the Remnant of Israel and Judah’.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Thought for the week – Remember: We have set up pillars and altars, planted trees and built buildings because we have wanted to remind ourselves and those who come after that something true had happened.

- Br. James Koester, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

Sat. Nov. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

Sun. Dec. 1^st          * Church New Year’s Celebration – The First Sunday of Advent

                             * Special Vestry Meeting – following worship

                             * Vespers Service – 4:00-5:00 pm (Lake Prince Woods)

Wed. Dec. 4^th        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)

Thu. Dec. 5^th         * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. Dec. 7^th         * Suffolk Night Stay Training – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Main

                             Street United Methodist Church)

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

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

                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)

Thu. Dec. 12^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Wed. Dec. 18^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)

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

Sun. Dec. 22^nd        * Greening of the Church and Soup Luncheon

Tue. Dec. 24^th        * Carol Sing – 9:00-9:30 pm

                             * Festive Christmas Candlelight Mass – 9:30-11:00 pm

Sun. Dec. 29^th        * A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols – 10:30 am

____________________________________________________________

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, Tony, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Opal, Elvira, Eddie, Pam, Dorothy, David, and Howard.

 

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

.

Deceased: Dorothy and Victor.

 

Typhoon Haiyan: Pray for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan’s devastation.

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: John, Melanie, Morgan, & Lauren.

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

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Willam Michie Klusmeyer – The Bishop of West Virginia.

 

Birthdays in December

Marcella 02                 Gary 08

Rev. Les 08                 John 14

Burr 18                        Kevin 19

Jim 19                          Will 28

Susan 30                      Don 30

 

Anniversaries in December

Bob & Bette 03               Don & Marcella 17

Shannon & Dotty 20       John & Elizabeth 28

Steven & Susan 30          Nick & Tina 31

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Minister of Music Roger Peyton

 

Website: http://StJohnsEpiscopal-Suffolk.org

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 Dec. 1 - Isaian 2:1-5; The Future House of God and Judgment against Arrogance

Dec 1, 2013 – 1 Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5
The Future House of God
Judgment Pronounced on Arrogance

Background: The first 39 chapters of Isaiah are considered a unit, typically referred to as First Isaiah. In this section Isaiah prophesies against the Israelites and lays out God’s complaint against God’s chosen people. The first five chapters primarily contain oracles or visions against the Israelites. In this, the prophet sets the stage for coming judgment against the people of Israel.

Theme: Chapter 2 begins with a promise oracle from God delivered through Isaiah. In this passage we can see the foundation of God’s continued relationship with Israel, even when they are no longer in Israel. In this passage, God assures the people that God will restore Jerusalem to its rightful position “in days to come.”

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Isaiah 2:1-5.
* Briefly describe the political, social, and religious situation in Israel for this passage. To whom do you think the prophet speaking in this passage?
* In the first verse the author declares the coming oracle is “the word Isaiah saw…” What do you think the writer was trying to infer from this apparently contradictory statement?
* In verse 2 we see the return of the “in days to come…” or “the days are surely coming…” oracle. For what reason do you believe the writer chose to not be more specific in the timing of the oracle? Why might God have provided the oracle in such an open ended manner?
* Some may claim that verse 3 implies that “the mountain of the Lord” is the only place to truly receive God’s instruction. Do you think that is the case – is God saying that Jerusalem is the only place to truly know about God?
* What problems may be caused by a belief that Mount Zion (or some other specific place) is the only place to truly learn God’s story?
* What do you think “God’s ways and God’s paths” are? How are we taught God’s ways and paths?
* By what standard do you think God will judge the people? How might one find the standard that God demands us to aim for?
* If Jerusalem and Israel are literally the standard for behavior and relationship with God how might we, 2,600 years later truly know the standard? If Israel and Jerusalem are not the standard then what is?
* Near the end of the oracle the prophet describes changing implements of war into farming implements. Where else is that imagery or its obverse found in Scripture?
* What might it mean to say that our war making capability will become a farming/growing capability? What might the farming implements be for in the Christian context?
* Knowing “the rest of the story” how do we translate or make this passage relevant for our life and ministry?
* Why might this passage be offered on the first Sunday of Advent; the season of preparation for Christ’s birth?
* How are you challenged by this passage today to do “things” for God?
* How do we share the message of hope in the season of preparation, Advent?

Reflection and Sermon for Nov. 24, 2013

Friends:

Blessings to you on the Last Sunday of the Church Year and the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Fall is definitely turning to winter around here - below freezing before the wind - not as cold as some places around the country but chilling none the less. We were blessed with another visitor today - a young person from our past is in town for a short visit and came to Church. We unveiled our Advent/Christmas postcard and distributed annual fund pledge cards today.

Today is Christ the King Sunday - an odd set of readings when realizing Jesus' birth will be celebrated in just over 4 weeks. Principally we listened to tales of punishment, destruction, woe, and division. The Gospel was Luke's account of the Crucifixion and the interchange between the people of the story and Jesus. Ironically, all characters show up in that story because all have a part to play in the life cycle of Christ. Our lives today echo the need for all parts of the story - good, bad, and indifferent - because without all the parts of the story the story isn't complete. We are encouraged to know that our efforts to tell the story need not be heroic - simply truthful - and God will do the rest. Please listen to the sermon on the link below.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/BBxF16

Readings: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Canticle 16; Colossians 1:11-20; Luke 23:33-43

St. John's e-News for November 24, 2013

Philippines Relief – Episcopal Relief and Development is gathering funds to assist recovery efforts in the Philippines.  If you would like to give, let the Office/Rector know and we will forward to the Diocesan Office for consolidation.

Community Thanksgiving Service – This year’s service will be held this Sunday, November 24^th at 7:00 PM. It will be hosted by Little Bethel Baptist Church. Please come and support our community churches in worship.

Stewardship – As the end of the year approaches your Vestry has been looking at the expected budget for 2014. Pledge cards, as our response to the thanks we have to give for the abundance bestowed on us by God, are forthcoming.

          Please take some time to consider your gift to the Church as we consider how we use those gifts to be God’s missionaries in the world and helping others have changed lives through their relationship with God. A projection of our expenses are available for any who want to see them and that information will be presented at the Annual meeting in January regardless.
          In coming months you will see how we are using the financial offerings you give are making real, tangible changes in people’s lives in Suffolk. I invite you to join us in our mission to tell God’s story of redemption through Jesus Christ in the world and to help us become more effective through your financial pledges.
______________________________________________________________
November 24, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Last Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 29)
First Lesson:  Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm:  Canticle 16
Second Lesson:  Colossians 1:11-20
Gospel:  Luke 23:33-43

Lay Participants for November 24, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Suze
Lector:  Bernice
Prayers:  Suze
Ushers:  Lynn and Marcella

Refreshments:  No volunteer

Sermon for Sunday, Nov. 17: https://chirb.it/dyy7kd

______________________________________________________________
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.

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.

Suffolk Meals on Wheels - The Meals on Wheels Program is looking for volunteers to deliver meals from Obici to shut ins and the elderly. If you are interested please contact Kitty Martin 377-6552 or Rosaland Worrell at Obici, 934-4911 for more info.

Fall Wednesday Book Study – We are studying the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. We will meet this coming Wednesday, November 20 to 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.

Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter together using a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Canticle 16 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 531, “O Spirit of the living God” (Melcombe) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

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.

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Jeremiah 23:1-6, “’Restoration after Exile’ and ‘The Righteous Branch of David’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 2:1-5, “’The Future House of God’ and ‘Judgment Pronounced on Arrogance’.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

Thought for the week – Compassion: Humility implies a willingness to learn from others, no matter how poor or simple they may be. In this spirit of humility, Hilda welcomed all—kings and princes, and simple peasants. None were beyond the reach of her compassion.

- Br. David Vryhoff, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu.      * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Nov. 14^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Wed. Nov. 20^th      * Advertising Presentation – 4:00 pm (Hilton Garden Hotel)
Thu. Nov. 21^st        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Sun. Nov. 24^th        * Community Thanksgiving Service
Thu. Nov. 28^th        * Thanksgiving – Office Closed
Sat. Nov. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Sun. Dec. 1^st           * Church New Year’s Celebration – The First Sunday of Advent
                             * Vespers Service – 4:00-5:00 pm (Lake Prince Woods)
Wed. Dec. 4^th        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)
Thu. Dec. 5^th         * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Dec. 7^th         * Suffolk Night Stay Training – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Main
                             Street United Methodist Church)
Mon. Dec. 9^th         * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Wed. Dec. 11^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)
Thu. Dec. 12^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Wed. Dec. 18^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)
Thu. Dec. 19^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Sun. Dec. 22^nd        * Greening of the Church and Soup Luncheon
Tue. Dec. 24^th        * Carol Sing – 9:00-9:30 pm
                             * Festive Christmas Candlelight Mass – 9:30-11:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 29^th        * A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols – 10:30 am
____________________________________________________________
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, Tony, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Opal, Elvira, Eddie, Pam, Dorothy, David, and Victor.

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

Typhoon Haiyan: Pray for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan’s devastation.

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Juanita

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. C. Berkley & Marian Ford.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde – The Bishop of Washington, DC.

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Renate “Renėe” Brady, Heather Dixon Jones, and Holly Bailey Jones.

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.
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

Sermon and reflection for Nov. 17, 2013

I’m taking a somewhat new tack this week, less reflection and more description of the sermon (link below). Today was a day to celebrate the promise of a new beginning and the culmination of our life passed but not forgotten. While we know God has been with God's chosen people since the beginning of time, and will be forevermore, it can be difficult to see that in the present moment and when the deck appears to be stacked against us. That is part of the story of Isaiah's 65th chapter and our discussion in Sunday school.

Today's sermon was influenced by the gospel reading (Luke 21:5-19) as that influences the second letter to the Thessalonians 3:6-13 (Do not associate with idlers). I reflected on how the letter to the Thessalonians seems to feed the "American Dream" - you can never have enough and you can always work harder. Yet Jesus tells us that we won't know when the end is near except that it is. Those scripture remind us to do God's work - which in the perspective of the church is to change lives in a way that society does not; by focusing on the complete and fulfilling life with God. I tried to address how we are invited to move from the esoteric statement "to change lives" to a means by which we practically can change lives - by sharing the bounty we have and by sharing our relationship (warts and all) with others.

I invite your comments,

Les+

https://chirb.it/dyy7kd

 
Readings: Isaiah 65:17-25; Canticle 9; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Luke 21:5-19

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

Philippines Relief – Episcopal Relief and Development is gathering funds to assist recovery efforts in the Philippines.  If you would like to give, let the Office/Rector know and we will forward to the Diocesan Office for consolidation.

Stewardship – As the end of the year approaches your Vestry has been looking at the expected budget for 2014. Pledge cards, as our response to the thanks we have to give for the abundance bestowed on us by God, are forthcoming.

          Please take some time to consider your gift to the Church as we consider how we use those gifts to be God’s missionaries in the world and helping others have changed lives through their relationship with God. An projection of our expenses are available for any who want to see them and that information will be presented at the Annual meeting in January regardless.
          In coming months you will see how we are using the financial offerings you give are making real, tangible changes in people’s lives in Suffolk. I invite you to join us in our mission to tell God’s story of redemption through Jesus Christ in the world and to help us become more effective through your financial pledges.

Community Thanksgiving Service – This year’s service will be held on Sunday, November 24^th at 7:00 PM. It will be hosted by Little Bethel Baptist Church. Please come and support our community churches in worship.

______________________________________________________________
November 17, 2013, 10:30 am Litany of Healing and Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 28)
First Lesson:  Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm:  Canticle 9
Second Lesson:  2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Gospel:  Luke 21:5-19

Lay Participants for November 17, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim
Lector:  Ben
Prayers:  Jim
Ushers:  Nick and Tina

Refreshments:  No volunteer

Sermon for Sunday, Nov. 10: http://chirb.it/OAIsnN

______________________________________________________________
Vestry Meeting – The November Vestry meeting will be held Monday November 18 from 7:00-9:00 pm.

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 – I would like to offer special thanks to Marvetta for the work she did returning the Parish Hall following Heather and Brian’s wedding. The hard work she and others did returned the Parish House to a better state of cleanliness than when the preparations started. Now we need to capitalize on the start Marvetta has given us and continue with our “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. We will meet this coming Wednesday, November 20 to 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 together using a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Canticle 9 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 11, “Awake, my soul and with the sun” (Morning Hymn) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Isaiah 65:17-25, “The Glorious New Creation” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 23:1-6, “’Restoration after Exile’ and ‘The Righteous Branch of David’.” 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 – Abundance: God longs for us to reach out and grasp the fullness of life which he has prepared for us. And he loves us too much to allow us to settle for anything less.

- Br. Geoffrey Tristam, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Daily Mon.-Thu.      * Daily Morning Prayer – 9:00 am (Parish House)
Thu. Nov. 14^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Mon. Nov. 18^th        * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish
                             House
                             * Suffolk Night Stay Presentation – 1:00-2:00 pm (ForKids
                             Building)
                             * Vestry Meeting – 7:00-9:00 pm (Parlor)
Tue. Nov. 19^th        * CAPS Board meeting – 3:00-4:30 (Westminster Presbyterian)
Wed. Nov. 20^th      * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advertising Presentation – 4:00 pm (Hilton Garden Hotel)
Thu. Nov. 21^st        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Sun. Nov. 24^th        * Community Thanksgiving Service
Thu. Nov. 28^th        * Thanksgiving – Office Closed
Sat. Nov. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army – 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Sun. Dec. 1^st           * Church New Year’s Celebration – The First Sunday of Advent
                             * Vespers Service – 4:00-5:00 pm (Lake Prince Woods)
Wed. Dec. 4^th        * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)
Thu. Dec. 5^th         * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Dec. 7^th         * Suffolk Night Stay Training – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (Main
                             Street United Methodist Church)
Wed. Dec. 11^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)
Thu. Dec. 12^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Wed. Dec. 18^th       * Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)
                             * Advent Study – 6:30-8:00 (Parish Hall)
Thu. Dec. 19^th        * Choir rehearsal – 7:00-8:30 pm (Choir Room)
Sun. Dec. 22^nd        * Greening of the Church and Soup Luncheon
Tue. Dec. 24^th        * Carol Sing – 9:00-9:30 pm
                             * Festive Christmas Candlelight Mass – 9:30-11:00 pm
Sun. Dec. 29^th        * A Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols – 10:30 am
____________________________________________________________
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, Tony, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Opal, Elvira, Eddie, Pam, Dorothy, David, and Victor.

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

Typhoon Haiyan: Pray for those affected by Typhoon Haiyan’s devastation.

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Ted & Peg Hoagland

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Ambrose Gumbs - The Bishop of the Virgin Islands.

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Renate “Renėe” Brady, Heather Dixon Jones, and Holly Bailey Jones.

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.
Home:  757-484-8409

Contact Minister of Music Roger Peyton

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

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