Christian formation for October 20 - Jeremiah 31:27-34; Individual Retribution

October 20, 2013 – 22 Pentecost

Jeremiah 31:27-34

Individual Retribution

 

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. Jeremiah was a supporter of adherence to the law and covenant relationship over the practice of temple worship. This portion of Jeremiah (Chapters 30-31) is part of an independent unit often called the book of consolation.

 

Theme: This passage picks up on the theme of restoration begun in Chapter 29 (last week’s reading). In this passage Jeremiah tries to assure the Israelites that there will be a new order and covenant between God and humanity and that God will enact the covenant once Israel has been restored to the Promised Land. Jeremiah relates some astounding items about God’s new relationship with Israel and humanity.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Jeremiah 31:27-34.

* Describe the political, social, and religious setting for this passage.

* Why might the two sections, verses 27-30 and verses 31-34, both start, “The days are surely coming, says the Lord.”? Why might God use that ambiguous term for God’s promised restoration?

* What might the imagery of planting the seed of humans and animals evoke to the Israelites?

* From what source would the people claim in verse 29b, “The parents have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge.”? What might that proclamation be referring to?

* What do you believe is the promise given in verse 30, “But all shall die for their own sins; the teeth of everyone who eats sour grapes will be set on edge.”?

* Why do you think God was willing to make a new covenant with the Israelites?

* What do you think the old covenant God was rescinding was?

* What do you think the new covenant God created was?

* Do you think the new covenant was really appreciably different than the old covenant? Why or why not?

* Do you think God really believed Israel would keep a new covenant given they were unable to keep the original one? Why might the Israelites be able to keep the new covenant, at least according to God’s command?

* Conventional wisdom (think about the reading from 2 Timothy today) says people need to be taught so they can be truly informed about the requirements of the law. Yet this passage seems to say that God’s “new” law will be so pervasive (and persuasive) that people will not need to be taught about the finer points because God has planted the law so deeply inside humanity they have no choice but to follow. How do you reconcile the apparent difference between the passages?

* What do you sense is the message of hope for Israel – those in exile and those who are at home?

* What might the message of hope be for those who follow after the exiles?

* How do we embody the message of hope given in this passage today?

* How does God challenge your understanding of your personal relationship with God in this passage?

Reflection and Sermon for October 13 - Jesus and the 10 lepers

Don’t let the weather fool you – it was a great day for worship at St. John’s! We continued to have newcomers and visitors today – even had the blessing of a 20 month old cooing and being a little boy. New perspectives of the stories in the Bible – We focused on Jeremiah and Jesus specifically. Jeremiah helped Israel in troubled times to remember that they were still in connection with God and would be redeemed - in the end – when their work of remembering was completed.

 

In worship, we looked at Jesus and the 10 lepers from a new perspective. We shared our space with more visitors again this week and we delved into Luke as we took a look at the Gospel lesson about Jesus and the 10 lepers in Samaria. We wondered how the lepers might have diverted Jesus from his mission in Jerusalem, if only long enough to remember his mission to bring healing and reconciliation to the entire world in the here-and-now. I invite you to listen and offer your comments.

 

Where are you being diverted or distracted from your mission to do a more pressing mission here-and-now?

 

Peace,

Les+

 

http://chirb.it/A5EpL9

 

Readings: Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Psalm 66:1-11; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19

St. John's e-News for October 13, 2013

Outreach Commission – The Outreach Commission will meet this coming Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00 pm in the Parish House. Please come and participate in this ministry of St. John’s. For more information contact Kathy.

 

Visitors – Thank you to all who helped welcome the visitors at St. John’s last weekend. I received good feedback that they all felt welcome and were paid an appropriate amount of attention.

 

Office Closure – The office will be closed this coming Monday, October 14 in observance of Columbus Day.

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October 13, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23)

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

Psalm:  Psalm 66:1-11

Second Lesson:  2 Timothy 2:8-15

Gospel:  Luke 17:11-19

 

Lay Participants for October 13, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Kevin

Prayers:  Terry

Ushers:  Nick and Tina

 

Refreshments:  Bernice

 

Sermon for Sunday, Oct. 6: http://chirb.it/735Es6

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Parish Fall Work Day - We will come together on Saturday, October 26^th at 8:00 am 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 Wednesday Book Study – We are studying the book The Practice of Prayer by Margaret Guenther. This week we will discuss Chapter 2 “Prayer as Conversation”. If you would like to participate please contact Fr. Ferguson or Margaret.

 

Leaving a Lasting Impression – Thank you to all who purchased a memorial brick for the churchyard, this will help make a lasting impression on the church and those who will follow us at St. John’s.

 

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 66:1-11 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 615, “’Thy Kingdom come!’ on bended knee” (St. Flavian) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Lamentations 1:1-6, “The Deserted City” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, “Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles in Babylon.” 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 – Freedom: Our benchmark in life is not to achieve higher mobility – to be the greatest in our little hemisphere of the world – but simply to claim freedom to be: to be wholly and fully who God created us to be, and to welcome others into that same freedom.

- 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. 10^th        * Historic Landmark Commission meeting – 9:00 am (City Office

                             Building)

                             * 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

                             * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Group – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

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

                             * Outreach Meeting – 7:00-8:30 pm

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)

                             * 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 – 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

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

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

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

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: Linda

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Jacob Ayeebo – The Bishop of Tamale, Ghana.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in honor of our 30^th Wedding Anniversary, by Les and Kathy.

 

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 October 13 - Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7; Jeremiah's Letter to the Exiles in Babylon

October 13, 2013 – 21 Pentecost

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles in Babylon

 

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. As the book of Jeremiah approaches its close we see Jeremiah offering words of hope to Israel in exile – not immediate restoration but the promise of long term restoration.

 

Theme: Israel has been exiled to Babylon and many are hoping for a quick resolution to their exile. Jeremiah, as God’s faithful prophet, tells the Israelites that they will be redeemed and restored but also shares God’s revelation that their restoration will not be immediate and their exile will not be short. Yet Jeremiah faithfully reminds Israel that God is faithful to his promise and Israel still is God’s chosen people.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7.

* Briefly describe the setting for this passage: when it occurs, who is in charge in Israel and Babylon, the political and religious environment underlying the passage, etc.

* How does the opening verse in today’s passage set the stage for the prophetic witness that lies ahead?

* Why might God tell the people to build houses and continue their lives while they are in exile?

* How does God’s pronouncement change the original tenets of the Covenant if at all?

* To whom do you think God is telling the Israelites to marry and offer in marriage? Do you think God is condoning mixed marriages between Israelites and Babylonians or simply that the Israelites should settle in for the long haul?

* Why might God tell the Israelites to build houses, marry and be married, and pray for the Babylonian cities where the Israelites lived?

* How might God’s pronouncement of returning to normalcy be a cause for concern in the minds of the Israelites?

* How are we called by God to do things that “fly in the face of conventional wisdom” in our world today?

* For what reason might God tell the Israelites that their captivity will not be short?

* How is this message a message of hope for the Israelites?

* How is this message a message of hope for us today?

* How are we challenged personally and communally by this passage?

The Word from St. John's for October 2013

Good news! The October 2013 edition of The Word from St. John's is now available for all to read. Check it out at https://www.dropbox.com/s/q9qeks91p31bfai/The%20Word%20October%202013.pdf.

Blessings!
Les+

Reflection for Sunday October 6, 2013

There was quite a turn out of visitors today - a couple who will be married in a little bit and 2 women and one of the lady's 2 little girls. The 4 folks live nearby and I hope they come back regularly.

With all that it was a neat day with tough readings - Lamentations; dashing children's heads; Paul to Timothy (rejoice that you might suffer for God); and faith of a mustard seed. And yet, there is a story to be had that shares our relationship with God in a constructive manner. Ultimately we know that God loves us - warts and all - knowing full well what we are capable of, for good or for ill. The tough parts of our story help others find a way to reconcile with God - even when they are "bad and ill mannered." I invite your comments.

Les+

http://chirb.it/735Es6

Readings: Lamentations 1:1-6; Psalm 137; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10

St. John's e-News for October 6, 2013

Oakland Christian UCC calls their new Pastor - Please welcome the new Pastor at Oakland Christian UCC, the Rev. Greg Ryan and his wife, Terry. They live in the Oakland parsonage and are excited to be in Chuckatuck.

 

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

 

Fall Fish Fry – Thank you to all who attended the Fish Fry last weekend. It was reported there were almost 2,000 served (still waiting on the official numbers). The turnout was better than in past years.

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October 6, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 22)

First Lesson:  Lamentations 1:1-6

Psalm:  Psalm 137

Second Lesson:  2 Timothy 1:1-14

Gospel:  Luke 17:5-10

 

Lay Participants for October 6, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Kathy

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Lynn and David

 

Refreshments:  No volunteer

 

Sermon for Sunday, Sep. 29: https://chirb.it/ts12LJ

______________________________________________________________

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 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 9 is Chapter 2 “Prayer as Conversation”. If you would like to participate please contact Fr. Ferguson or Margaret.

 

Leaving a Lasting Impression – Thank you to all who purchased a memorial brick for the churchyard, this will help make a lasting impression on the church and those who will follow us at St. John’s.

 

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 137 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 510, “Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove” (St. Agnes) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Lamentations 1:1-6, “The Deserted City” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7, “Jeremiah’s Letter to the Exiles in Babylon.” 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 – Challenge: We have to be willing to turn around, to walk against the flow of the culture, to push back against the assumptions and values of a nation and culture that refuses to see that its actions are having and will continue to have severe consequences for the entire world.

- Br. David Vryhof, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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        * Historic Landmark Commission meeting – 9:00 am (City Office

                             Building)

                             * 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)

                             * Outreach Meeting – 7:00-8:30 pm

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)

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

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: Regina Haggerty

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. De Witt & D. Elaine; The Rev. GY & Emma-Jean Ballentine; The Rev. J. Scott & Sheryl Baker

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Festus Yeboah-Asuamah – Bishop of Sunyani, Ghana.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in honor of our 30^th Wedding Anniversary, by Les and Kathy.

 

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