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

St. John’s Meatfare Sunday Potluck – What better day to have a potluck than on Meatfare Sunday on March 10 after the worship service. In the Orthodox Christian Church, this is the last day to eat meat and poultry before Easter. There is a sign-up sheet in the Narthex.  Please sign up for the dish you wish to bring.

 

The Lord be with you… – While we use Rite I in Lent, Please be aware of the change in verbiage in responses… And with thy Spirit… Lift them up… it is meet and right…

______________________________________________________________

March 3, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I

Lessons for the Third Sunday in Lent

First Lesson:  Exodus 3:1-15

Psalm:  Psalm 63:1-8

Second Lesson:  1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Gospel:  Luke 13:1-9

 

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  David and Lynn

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  No one has signed up

 

Sermon for Sunday, Feb. 24: http://chirb.it/MAq0rK

______________________________________________________________

Psalms during Lent – We will try something new while reciting the Psalm in worship during Lent. We will recite the Psalm antiphonally by whole verse by side of the sanctuary. The Eucharistic Minister will lead one side and the Rector the other. We will observe a slight “monastic pause” at the asterisk.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Feb 20^th will be the first of five sessions. We will start with supper at 6:30 followed by the study session. We will end at 8:00. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex for volunteers to supply the meal for each session.

          Tonight’s session will take a look at our gifts and talents. We plan on having a gifts survey as well as a discussion about gifts – what they are, what they aren’t, and how our gifts might change over time.

          Next week we will take a look at some of the “Heroes” of the Bible. If you have any questions about the characters in the Bible, please contact the Rector; the final list will be compiled and published Monday next week. Please come join us.

 

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – During the season of Lent we will be collecting any loose change in the jar in the Narthex and in the Parlor. Our change will be given in order to help us change the story of a boys’ life. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House or visit www.boyshomeinc.org for more information.

 

Holy Week Services – Please plan to attend any or all the community worship services planned for Holy Week. We should celebrate as we have in years past: Maundy Thursday at Oakland UCC, Good Friday at Wesley Chapel UMC, and Easter Sunrise at St. John’s.

 

Spring Parish Clean-up – The primary and alternate dates for our spring Parish Clean-up are March 16 (primary) and March 23 (alternate). Please mark your calendars to save the date so we can make the grounds pretty for our Easter Celebration.

 

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

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will continue this coming Wednesday, March 6. The group is studying “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy and will continue the chapter on “Advance Echoes of a Final Answer.” This will be the final session for this book but we will pick up a new study March 13. If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Exodus 3:1-15, “’Moses at the Burning Bush’ and ‘The Divine Name Revealed’” from 9:15-10:15 am come see what the buzz is about. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Joshua 5:9-12, “The New Generation Circumcised” from 9:15-10:15 am. All are invited to join us for class next Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

 

Thought for the week – Honesty: Prayer, to be genuine, must be real. God is not interested in how “spiritual” we can look and sound. Prayer is meant to be grounded in the reality of our daily lives; it is meant to touch every part of us. To be genuine and effective, it must be honest and real.

-Br. David Vryhof

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Wed. Feb. 27^th      * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Feb. 28^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 7^th         * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Sun. Mar. 10^th        * Daylight Saving Time starts – SPRING AHEAD

                             * Meatfare Sunday Potluck – following worship

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 14^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Sat. Mar. 16^th        * Spring Clean-up (Primary date)

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 21^st        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Wed. Mar. 27^th      * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 28^th       * Community Maundy Thursday Service

Fri. Mar. 29^th        * Community Good Friday Service

Sat. Mar. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon – Suffolk Salvation Army

Sun. Mar. 31^st        * Easter Sunrise Service – 7:00 am

                             * Festive Easter Eucharist – 10:30 am

Wed. Apr. 3^rd        * Outreach Committee Meeting

Sat. Apr. 13^th        * Vendor and Craft Faire – 10:00 am – 3:00 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, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Joyce, Robert, Frances, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, and Kathy.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Robin

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Jackson Feild Home.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Stephen Diseko of Matlosane Southern Africa.

 

Birthdays in March

David 02                     Shannon 06

Brooks 07                    Wade 08

Mary-Margaret 08       Caroline 09

Fred 12                        Tim 13

Pretlow 15                   Elizabeth 19

Hansa 20                     Milliard 21

John 27                        Cooper 28

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Cell:  757-418-0063

 

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 March 3 - Exodus 3:1-15; Moses at the Burning Bush and the Divine Name

March 3, 2013 – 3 Lent

Exodus 3:1-15

Moses at the Burning Bush; The Divine Name Revealed

 

Background: The book of Exodus describes Israel’s enslavement in Egypt and their deliverance from Egypt to Sinai, ultimately leading to the Promise Land. In the first portion of Exodus, begins with Moses being confirmed as the leader to bring Israel out of bondage and with him being commissioned by God on Horeb to complete his task. God defines the relationship between God and Moses and provides assurances that God will be with Moses during his shepherding of Israel.

 

Theme: Moses has fled from Egypt and is now working as a shepherd for his father-in-law Jethro. As part of his duties, Moses leads the sheep beyond the wilderness most likely in search of pasture. While on Horeb, Moses meets an apparition of the Lord and receives a numinous sign of God’s presence. As part of his meeting with God he is commissioned to service and given God’s name as a pledge.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Exodus 3:1-15. Please skim chapters 1 and 2 for context.

* Briefly describe the setting of this passage.

* What do you find interesting about Moses and his father-in-law? What do you think the meaning of Moses being a shepherd and his father-in-law being a priest might imply, especially in light of the nature and history of Israel?

* What do you think the mission of the shepherd is in Hebrew faith? Do you think this position is specifically affiliated with the Hebrews? Why or why not?

* What do you think it means when the writer says “he [Moses] led his flock beyond the wilderness…”? How might this statement be a foreshadowing of his future?

* As Moses comes upon the burning bush, on the one hand he is drawn to look at the bush; yet on the other hand, when he finds out the bush is God he looks away. How might this be important for Moses and his life as God’s minister to the people? Why might Moses choose to look away from the image that “must” be God?

* Why do you think the writer has God calling Moses twice?

* What might the significance of God telling Moses to take off his sandals be? How would Moses’ sandals “pollute” the holy ground of Horeb?

* How does the quantity and number of actors speaking the phrase “I am” (Moses’ response ‘here I am,’ Moses asking ‘who am I,’ God saying ‘I am who I am,’ etc.) strike you?

* What, if anything, do you find odd about the sign that God promises to Moses, “…when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”?

* Why do you think Moses is told, by God, to tell the Israelites that, “The Lord, the God of your ancestors…” as opposed to simply that God had told Moses to do “something”? Wasn’t God the God of Moses’ ancestors too?

* Why might it be significant for God to declare the eternal nature of his name?

* What is the good news to the Hebrews?

* What is our good news and the application for us today?

Reflection and Sermon for Sunday Feb. 24

Greetings from Chuckatuck on this, the 2nd Sunday in Lent. This past week was filled with activity; planning for Chuckatuck Founders' day in the fall and our first Wednesday night Soup Supper and study. This past week we did some work called Asset Mapping. We amassed a good list of our Parish's assets as we began our Lenten journey reflecting on our mission at St. John's.

Today we took a look at Abram's interaction with God when Abram wondered if he would have a true heir and if his heir would have land to inherit. In worship today we took time to reflect on the message of fear in our lessons and how we as Christians respond to the fear using the images of Paul and Jesus as models.

I invite your comments and likes,
Les+

http://chirb.it/MAq0rK  

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

St. John’s Meatfare Sunday Potluck – What better day to have a potluck than on Meatfare Sunday on March 10 after the worship service. In the Orthodox Christian Church, this is the last day to eat meat and poultry before Easter. There is a signup sheet in the Narthex.  Please sign up for the dish you wish to bring.

 

The Lord be with you… – While we use Rite I in Lent, Please be aware of the change in verbiage in responses… And with thy Spirit… Lift them up… it is meet and right…

______________________________________________________________

February 24, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I

Lessons for the Second Sunday in Lent

First Lesson:  Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18

Psalm:  Psalm 27

Second Lesson:  Philippians 3:17-4:1

Gospel:  Luke 13:31-35

 

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Fred and Marlene

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  Jen/Burr

 

Refreshments:  Leone

 

Sermon for Ash Wednesday 7:00 pm service: http://chirb.it/epNIxr

 

Sermon for Sunday, Feb. 17: http://chirb.it/IqMCOA

______________________________________________________________

Psalms during Lent – We will try something new while reciting the Psalm in worship during Lent. We will recite the Psalm antiphonally by whole verse by side of the sanctuary. The Eucharistic Minister will lead one side and the Rector the other. We will observe a slight “monastic pause” at the asterisk.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Feb 20^th will be the first of five sessions. We will start with supper at 6:30 followed by the study session. We will end at 8:00. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex for volunteers to supply the meal for each session.

          Our first session will be the process of Asset Mapping for St. John’s. Our investigation will be led by the book The Power of Asset Mapping by Luther K. Snow. I invite you to come and look at the Parish and what God has given us as a means to chart our future.

          Next week we will take a look at our gifts and talents. We plan on having a gifts survey as well as a discussion about gifts – what they are, what they aren’t, and how our gifts might change over time. Please come join us.

 

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – During the season of Lent we will be collecting any loose change in the jar in the Narthex and in the Parlor. Our change will be given in order to help us change the story of a boys’ life. Please see the flyer in the Narthex or Parish House or visit www.boyshomeinc.org for more information.

 

Holy Week Services – Please plan to attend any or all the community worship services planned for Holy Week. We should celebrate as we have in years past: Maundy Thursday at Oakland UCC, Good Friday at Wesley Chapel UMC, and Easter Sunrise at St. John’s.

 

Spring Parish Clean-up – The primary and alternate dates for our spring Parish Clean-up are March 16 (primary) and March 23 (alternate). Please mark your calendars to save the date so we can make the grounds pretty for our Easter Celebration.

 

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

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will continue this coming Wednesday, February 20. The group is studying “The Bible Jesus Read” by Philip Yancy and will begin the chapter on “Advance Echoes of a Final Answer.” If you are interested please contact Margaret.

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Genesis 15:1-18, “God’s Covenant with Abram” from 9:15-10:15 am come see what the buzz is about. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Exodus 3:1-15, “’Moses at the Burning Bush’ and ‘The Divine Name Revealed’” from 9:15-10:15 am. All are invited to join us for class next Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

 

Thought for the week – Children of God: We may be afraid to be totally and unconditionally loved by God. What would it mean for us to begin to see ourselves – and to live – as beloved children of God? What image of myself might I have to let go of in order to embrace this new identity?

-Br. David Vryhof

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Feb. 21^st        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Wed. Feb. 27^th      * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Feb. 28^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 7^th         * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Sun. Mar. 10^th        * Daylight Saving Time starts – SPRING AHEAD

                             * Meatfare Sunday Potluck – following worship

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 14^th        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Sat. Mar. 16^th        * Spring Clean-up (Primary date)

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

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 21^st        * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

Wed. Mar. 27^th      * Wednesday Book Study – 10:00-11:30 am (Parish Hall)

                             * Lenten Soup Supper and Study – 6:30-8:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Thu. Mar. 28^th       * Community Maundy Thursday Service

Fri. Mar. 29^th        * Community Good Friday Service

Sat. Mar. 30^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon – Suffolk Salvation Army

Sun. Mar. 31^st        * Easter Sunrise Service – 7:00 am

                             * Festive Easter Eucharist – 10:30 am

Sat. Apr. 13^th        * Vendor and Craft Faire – 10:00 am – 3:00 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, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Joyce, Robert, Frances, Yvette and family, Andy, Beth, Marvin, and Clare and Steve.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Charles & Lynn

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Edwin & Joan Bishop.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Bishop Maryland - The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton; The Assistant Bishop of Maryland - The Rt. Rev. Dr. Joe Burnett.

 

Birthdays in February

Natasha 02      Karen 08

Mac 08            Perk 16

Joe 19              Jimmye 20

Alice 22

 

Anniversaries in February

Gary & Toni 14

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Cell:  757-418-0063

 

Contact Music Minister 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