Christian Formation for September 22 - Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; The Prophet Mourns for the People

September 22, 2013 – 18 Pentecost

Jeremiah 8:18—9:1

The Prophet Mourns for the People

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 more than the practice of temple worship – leading to confrontation with those in charge of Israel’s religious landscape.

Theme: This narrative is a portion of Jeremiah’s description of God’s accusation against Israel. Jeremiah focuses on the attack from the north and the ultimate judgment being meted against the Israelites based on their apostasy. Jeremiah describes the completeness of God’s desolation of Israel and how the Israelites have lost sight of God and God’s providence.

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Jeremiah 8:18—9:1.
* Describe the passage to include the source of the words, the state of affairs of Israel, and the imagery of the vision.
* For what reason might the prophet be mournful in verse 18? On the one hand, Israel is reaping their just reward in the punishment meted by God but the punishment is levied against God’s chosen people.
* Who might the “poor people” Jeremiah names in verse 19 be? Why might the poor people ask the two questions in verse 19b?
* What do you think the distinction between “the Lord” and “her King” might be? How do you think Israel has lost sight of the Lord and their King?
* Who do you think pronounced the statement in the parentheses? What might the point of that question be?
* For what reason might the harvest be a symbol of Israel’s salvation? What might have given rise to the statement made in verse 20?
* Why might the prophet specifically hurt for the “poor people” in verse 21? Do you think Jeremiah is mourning the entire nation of Israel? Why or why not?
* Do you think verse 22 is merely a rhetorical question or is God (or the prophet) demanding an answer? What might the answer be to the questions about balm and physicians in Gilead?
* Who do you think asks the counter-question in verse 22b? Why do you think the health of Israel had not been restored?
* What symbolism do you think is conveyed in verse 9:1? To what or whom might the image of tears and springs of water refer to?
* Some might argue that a contributing factor to the pronouncement is the impact of a drought and famine. Might that be a plausible explanation? What difference might that make in our interpretation of this passage?
* What is the message of life with God in this passage?
* How do we bring this message from the hypothetical to the practical in the 21^st century in Suffolk?
* How are we challenged to share this passage as good news?

Reflection and sermon for September 15

A special day at St. John’s! Tony was back in Church this morning for the first time since his accident on June 4 (almost 3 ½ months). He was happy to be back with us, even if it took the addition of his walker to get there. But every step he takes is a step closer to normalcy and another example of God’s grace and the miracle of Tony’s life and health. Hopefully we are turning the corner to fall and working into our new program year.

 

In worship we looked closely at “the way of second chances in our lives” grasping a principle theme in scripture today. If God gives us a second change (and a third, and a fourth) why can we find it hard to accept the second chance from God and to offer the same second chance to others? Luckily, our mission puts us in a place to help others find completeness in their lives, even if they have missed the mark and once they find completeness in God rejoice with them. Listen to what I offered this morning and give me a word about how the message of second chances resonates with you.

 

I invite your comments,

Les+

 

http://chirb.it/bnykpL

 

Readings: Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10

St. John's e-News for September 15, 2013

Driveway markers – Please thank Steven for the back breaking work he did last Sunday afternoon. There are two new 4x4 posts at the entrance by the Parish House to help people to find the entrance in low-light conditions.

 

Parish History: The Glebe Farm – Under 1802 law “Overseers of the Poor” in counties could seize and sell glebes and distribute the proceeds to the poor in their counties. The act “exempted from seizure and sale any personal donations of property to churches that had occurred before 1 January 1777.”

          In 1803 the Court of Appeals was deadlocked 2-2 ruling on Manchester Vestry’s petition to declare the law unconstitutional thereby it could not overturn the lower court ruling thus allowing glebes to be sold.

          The only Parish in Virginia retained its glebe, Suffolk Parish. They were able to keep their glebe because the glebe had been received as a gift and no public levies were involved. Their claim went unchallenged and Suffolk Parish retains over 300 acres of glebe land today.

Willard J. Webb and Anne C. Webb, The Glebe Houses of Colonial Virginia (Chapter 3)

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September 15, 2013, 10:30 am Litany of Healing and Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 19)

First Lesson:  Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

Psalm:  Psalm 14

Second Lesson:  1 Timothy 1:12-17

Gospel:  Luke 15:1-10

 

Lay Participants for September 15, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Ben

Prayers:  Leone

Ushers:  Anne and Bert

 

Refreshments:  No volunteer

 

Sermon for Sunday, Sep. 8: http://chirb.it/dMm96b

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

 

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.

 

Leaving a Lasting Impression – Would you like to leave your mark on the earth? Maybe your name or the name of loved ones. If you are interested in having an engraved brick in the St. John’s walkway Contact Bernice and let her know you are interested in taking part in the project. The fee is $100.00 per brick and for that you get up to 3 lines with a maximum of 13 characters each line of dedication. If you haven’t noticed them before, they are located within the Trinity Garden area near the Parish House. Take a walk and check them out. If you would like to purchase a brick please do so by September 20.

 

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.

 

Helping the Viola’s – Tony and Marvetta appreciate our prayers and good wishes. They would appreciate and gladly compensate anyone who might have some extra produce from the garden to share with them. Anything you have over and above what you would use would be appreciated. If you have something to share please contact Marvetta at home or on her cell.

 

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 14 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 663, “The Lord my God my shepherd is” (Crimond) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Jeremiah ’Invasion and Desolation of Judah Threatened’ and ‘Sorrow for a Doomed Nation’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Jeremiah 8:18-9:1, “The Prophet Mourns for the People.” All are invited to come together in the Parish Hall from 9:15 to 10:15 am.

 

Thought for the week – Abundance: The embrace of God is wider than we like to imagine, the love of God is deeper than ours will ever be, the welcome of God far surpasses our own capacity to welcome, the generosity of God outstrips our own.

- Br. David Vryhof, SSJE

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:

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

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

Sat. Sep. 14^th        * Diocesan Priest Ordination – 11:00 am (Christ & St. Luke’s)

                             * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Sep. 16^th        * GFWC Junto Women’s Club meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

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

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

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

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

                             Department)

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

                             Smithfield)

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

                             (Eastern Shore Chapel, Virginia Beach)

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

                              * Fall Parish Work Day (tentative)

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

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

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

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Community Church Websites:

New Community Christian Center                      http://www.nccfamily.us

Oakland Christian Church (UCC)                       http://www.oaklandchristianchurch.com/

Perfecting Saints Church of God in Christ       http://www.pscogic.com/

Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church         http://www.wesleychapelchuckatuck.org

Ebenezer United Methodist Church                 http://ebumc.net/

Coalition Against Poverty in Suffolk (CAPS)     http://www.capsuffolk.com

 

PASTORAL CARE

Pray for Katherine, our presiding bishop; Holly, our bishop; and Les our priest.

 

Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Lon, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Rick, Kathy, Ronald, Dorothy, Leone, Dwight, Tony, Gilbert, Carolyn, the Terry family, the Arnold family, Bob, Marvin, Kaille, Lillian, Debbie, Donna, and Charles.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: David

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Betty & John Hudson

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Augustine Omole – The Bishop of Sokoto, Nigeria.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in honor of our wonderful Organist Roger Peyton by Anne & Bert.

 

Birthdays in September

Bette 03                       Lizzie 10

Carroll 11                    Roger 14

Bob 15                         Elizabeth 16

Allen 17

 

Anniversaries in September

Charles & Lynn 01      Perk & G. Lee 11

 

If you are in need of Pastoral Care

Please call Father Ferguson.

Home:  757-484-8409

 

Contact Minister of Music Roger Peyton

 

Website: http://StJohnsSuffolk.blogspot.com

Follow us on Facebook:

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Suffolk VA

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Christian Formation for September 15 - Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Invasion and Desolation of Judah Threatened and Sorrow for a Doomed Nation

September 15, 2013 – 17 Pentecost

Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28

Invasion and Desolation of Judah Threatened

Sorrow for a Doomed Nation

 

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 – leading to confrontation with those in charge of Israel’s religious landscape.

 

Theme: This narrative is a portion of Jeremiah’s description of God’s accusation against Israel. Jeremiah focuses on the attack from the north and the ultimate judgment being meted against the Israelites based on their apostasy. There appears to be allusion to previous sections of Hebrew scripture and the portrayal of the present time as the antithesis of God at work in Israel in years past.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Jeremiah 4:11-28.

* Briefly describe the situation in Israel: the political, social, and religious dynamics of the nation.

* Who do you think is speaking in the portions, verses 11-12 and verses 22-28? Do you think the same person is speaking in both sections?

* Who do you think the “poor people” are in verse 11? Do you think they are truly financially poor people or simply emotionally/relationally poor?

* How might winnowing or cleansing be associated with the “poor people” identified in verse 11? Why might God want to winnow or cleanse Israel?

* How might a wind be too strong to winnow or cleanse? For what purpose would God send a wind too strong to winnow against Israel? What might the function of such a strong wind be?

* Do you think verses 22-28 are presented as a vision (or possible vision) for the future? Why or why not? How much of the passage do you think is “cut in stone” against Israel?

* How do you think verses 23-26 contrast other passages in the Old Testament? What passages are these verses reminiscent of?

* In the latter verses, the destruction envisioned seems to be counter to God’s promise to Noah that he would not destroy the world again (even discounting the “with a flood” stipulation). Why might God want to send Israel back to chaos like at creation?

* Some might argue that verse 27 was a later addition to the passage, like a postscript after the event. How might the addition of that verse alter the message of the passage?

* What is the statement of hope for Israel in the midst of the story of destruction in this passage?

* How might we apply this passage to our life and ministry at St. John’s?

* How do we share this message as a story of hope today?

Reflection and sermon for September 8

Welcome on the first “Second Sunday at St. John’s” and the kickoff of our new community service offering. We are encouraged by the possibilities of sharing our history to better connect with our community. This morning we connected with our biblical history in Jeremiah. We discussed the implications of God as potter and humanity as clay; and how we can be encouraged by the possibility that God can start anew at any time.

We also took a glance at living life in the tension that exists between God and our world. We are invited to examine the tension and realize that not all is bad but that excess tension can cause problems. Even as Jesus calls us to count the cost there isn't a guarantee the ultimate cost will be demanded - just we need to understand there is an ultimate cost that may have to be paid. Even if we claim the tension no longer exists like in Jesus' time we know better - and we also know that God is there with us in the tension.

I invite your comments,

Les+

http://chirb.it/dMm96b

Luke 14:25-33

The Word from St. John's for September 2013

Friends:

I invite you to take a look at the September edition of The Word from St. John's and see what is news in our Parish. It can be found at:

https://www.dropbox.com/l/SlM6CrFAFVT2CAOw8wCitb

Les+

Christian Formation outline for Sep. 8 - Jeremiah 18:1-11; The Potter and the Clay

September 8, 2013 – 16 Pentecost

Jeremiah 18:1-11

The Potter and the Clay

 

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 – leading to confrontation with those in charge of Israel’s religious landscape.

 

Theme: This narrative is in the middle of a section of Jeremiah that lays out God’s complaint against Israel. Jeremiah shares a familiar image, that of a potter, in the context of Israel’s life as faithful servants of God. This narrative highlights God’s creative nature, either for good or for ill, often depending on the recipient’s actions in relationship with God. Often troubling in this passage is the intimation that God changes God’s mind in response to the people’s action bringing God’s constancy into question at first blush.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Read Jeremiah 18:1-11. In addition, read Jeremiah 29:10-14 for context.

* Briefly describe the situation in Israel: the political, social, and religious dynamics of the nation.

* For what reason might the image of a potter be chosen for this specific illustration? What do you think the role of the potter was in Jewish society in the period before Christ?

* How might a potter create pottery? How might the differences in the manner of creating pottery, especially in Old Testament times, be a good analogy for God’s creative action?

* What might cause a potter to destroy their creation? How might that cause be an example of Israel’s life in relationship with God?

* How is God’s commentary in verses 7-10 descriptive of Israel’s life in community with God?

* Do you think God truly changes his mind as described in verses 8 and 10? Why or why not?

* An alternative translation of the phrase “changed his mind”, when referring to God dealing with Israel, is “relented”. How might the different translation change the impact of the statement?

* How could you explain the fact Jeremiah says that God “changed his mind” because, to be God means God doesn’t change?

* How might you explain God “shaping evil” and “devising a plan” against Israel?

* How might this passage fit into the bigger picture of Jeremiah? How might this passage fit into the stories of the prophets in the Old Testament? How might this passage fit into the growth of the Nation of Israel?

* What is the good news detailed in this passage to the Israelites who were oppressed and ultimately will go into exile in Babylon?

* How does this passage fit into your understanding of God and God’s love for humanity?

* How are we invited to share this passage with our parish and culture?