Sermon for Sunday September 2, 2012

Thankfully, this week didn't wreak too much havoc with 5+ inches of rain on Tuesday and 3+ inches last weekend. Things got a little damp all over the grounds but we fared well. This weekend was a celebratory weekend at St. John's. Lynn and Charles Rose celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary yesterday - their children and grandchildren threw a great shindig. It was nice because that event provided a backdrop for today. We shifted gears from the bread month to preaching on one of the interesting books of the Old Testament - Song of Solomon. We looked at how God created us to be passionate and loving and that we are bound to God and creation in our worship. I invite your comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/JdM97v

St. John's e-News for Sunday September 2, 2012

Stewardship – We don’t choose to be stewards any more than we choose to be born; stewardship is part of our identity. Our only choice is what kind of stewards we will be. A faithful steward knows that what is entrusted belongs to another, and must be used for the good of all. Our faithful stewardship is rooted in the awe and gratitude of God’s stance toward us – a stance of blessing and abundance.

• What does it mean to you to serve as a Steward in God’s im­age?

• How do you value your own blessedness and the blessed­ness of others?

• What risks are you willing to take to live into your call to be a blessing to others?

The Right Rev. Catherine (Cate) Waynick, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis

Christian Formation Offerings – We are looking for a couple people who are willing to have a conversation with me and Canon Caroline Black regarding the Christian Formation offerings for our coming program year. If you are interested in helping chart our course (not specifically teaching but gathering ideas) please contact the Rector.

______________________________________________________________
September 2, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 14^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 17)
First Lesson:  Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm:  45:1-2, 7-10
Second Lesson:  James 1:17-27
Gospel:  Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Lay Participants for September 2, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Fred and Marcella
Nursery Attendant:  Kayla
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments:  Tina

Sermon for Sunday, Aug. 26: http://chirb.it/FrPJAD

______________________________________________________________
Parish Office holiday closing – The parish office will be closed Monday September 3 for Labor Day. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday.

Bishop’s Days for Parish Leaders – This year’s topic will be “Enlivening Our Faith for Generations to Come” and will be held October 27 at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach. This event is NOT just for Vestry members or Wardens but is intended for parish leaders. Bishop's Days will offer 14 workshops from which to choose. For complete information about workshops, schedule, registration and a brochure you can download see the Diocesan Website at http://diosova.org.

St. John Singers – A special thank you to the members of the Saint John Singers for their inaugural offering last Sunday. If you weren’t at the service to hear it you missed a fine presentation. We thank you Roger for his leadership; and Terry, Kathy, Steven, Susan, Alice, Fred, Leone, and Fr. Les for their addition to our worship.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Song of Solomon 2:8-13, “Springtime Rhapsody” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; “Wise sayings of Solomon.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in unison. We will use a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Psalm 45:1-2, 7-10 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 493, “O for a thousand tongues to sing!” (Azmon) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Thanksgiving Jar – I hear you ask, “What is that neat jar in the Narthex for?” We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives; personally, as a church, and as a community; sometimes we lose sight of those blessings. Parishioners are encouraged to bring or place a brief note about their blessings in the jar in the Narthex and at the end of each month we will offer the jar in our offering and at the end of the year we will review the many blessings we have as a church.

Thought for the week – Discipleship: Discipleship is not an insurance policy against grief or heart-ache or injustice. It is not a buffer to sorrow and disappointment. It is, in fact, something better–an assurance that God has entered fully into the suffering of this world and our lives and is there with us and for us.

-Br. Kevin Hackett

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Aug. 30^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 1^st           * Parish Hall reserved for event
Sun. Sep. 2^nd          * Rector’s Discretionary Fund Sunday
Mon. Sep. 3^rd         * Labor Day – Parish Office Closed
Thu. Sep. 6^th                   * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 8^th                   * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Sep 9^th           * Grandparent’s Day
Mon. Sep. 10^th        * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Tue. Sep. 11^th         * CAPS Services Coordinator Reception – 7:00 pm (WRPC)
Thu. Sep. 13^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Mon. Sep. 17^th        * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
                             (Parish Hall)
Thu. Sep. 20^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Thu. Sep. 27^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 29^th        * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
____________________________________________________________
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/

PASTORAL CARE

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

St. John’s shut-ins, Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Luann, Faye and family, Carter and family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Hallie, Bette, and Don.

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Elizabeth, and Dane

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Juanita
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Anna Scherer.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Church of the Sudan; The Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Deng Bul Yak, Archbishop of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan & Bishop of Juba.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of her parents Leo and Sylvena and the parents of Gib, Gibson and Peggy, by Leone.

Birthdays in September

Bette 03                      Lizzie 10
Carroll 11                    Dane 13
Roger 14                     Bob 15
Elizabeth 16                Allen 17

Anniversaries in September

Charles & Lynn 01      Clare & Steve 03
Perk & G. Lee 11

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

Christian Formation for Sunday September 2 - Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Springtime Rhapsody

September 2, 2012, 14 Pentecost

Song of Solomon 2:8-13

Springtime Rhapsody

Background: Song of Solomon, also known as Song of Songs, is a unique type of book in the Bible. This book is explicitly a description of human love and makes no overt mention of God. The book, like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is attributed to Solomon, the archetype of wisdom and love in Hebrew Scripture.

Theme: This passage appears to be akin to a love dialog. It can be likened to a dialog between lovers where they are unable to be together and one lover’s call to the other to come closer. This passage may also be viewed as a revelation between lovers sharing a childlike and playful sense of hide-and-seek.

Questions to Ponder

* Skim the entire book of Song of Solomon for context and tone.

* Why might this book be associated with Solomon?

* Why might a book like Song of Solomon be included in the Canon of Scripture (those scripture that are included as authoritative in Jewish and/or Christian perspective)?

* Who do you think the two voices are in this passage; the first from verse 8 through 10a, the second from 10b through 13?

* How would you describe the imagery of “the beloved” in the opening portion of the poem? Does the imagery evoke a masculine or feminine image? Who might the beloved in this section be?

* Do you think it would be probable for the “masculine” lover to be synonymous with God and the “feminine” beloved to be Israel? If that were the case how might that affect the interpretation of the passage?

* What might the significance be of the reference to “the winter being past and the rain is over and gone” in verse 11?

* This passage and the entire book, Song of Solomon, is often read before Sabbath of the Passover holiday; what might the significance of this passage be for that setting?

* How might this passage be important for Christians living in the 21^st century? How can this passage help Christians keep an appropriate connection with God?

* For what purpose might the Song of Solomon be normative with regard to Christian relationships?

* If this passage is an example of appropriate interpersonal love, how might it shape our understanding of the “goodness” of the emotional (sexual, erotic, etc.) relationship of mutual love and affection? Would this affection apply in all cases not simply to the love of God but also for all God’s creation?

* How might this passage steer St. John’s in the development of community relations and a definition of ministry in the world?

Sermon for Sunday August 26, 2012

It's nearly the end of August and, on the one hand, it will be nice to transition to September but this year, August is trying to be March acting like a lion. We had our inaugural offering by the choir in service today and it went well and was well received - I think the Parish is looking forward to more offerings. We were wrapping up the marathon discussion of bread in John's gospel today and I offered a sermon entitled "where we find God's support in bread and wisdom." Your comments and likes are appreciated.
Les+

http://chirb.it/FrPJAD

Readings: 1 Kings 8:1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43; Psalm 84; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69

St. John's e-News for Sunday August 26, 2012

Stewardship – We are called to live lives of faith and confidence of God’s providence. Sometimes we question our pathway ahead and wonder if we are doing God’s work in the manner that God desires. We fear making a mistake, not only for God but with the gifts that God has given us to share. I offer this reflection as we think about our Stewardship:

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave person is not he who does not feel afraid, but the one who conquers that fear.

Nelson Mandela

Crab (and other Food) Feast – Our 10^th Annual “18^th Anniversary Crab Feast” (you will have to talk to Don to figure that out) will be held this evening beginning at 5:00 pm. We will have plenty of good food, good friends, and good fellowship.

______________________________________________________________
August 26, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
Lessons for the 13^th Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16)
First Lesson:  1 Kings 8:1, 6, 10-11, 22-30, 41-43
Psalm:  84
Second Lesson:  Ephesians 6:10-20
Gospel:  John 6:56-69

Lay Participants for August 26, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim
Lector:  Fred
Prayers:  Marlene
Ushers:  Anne and Bert
Nursery Attendant:  Kayla
Nursery Assistant:  Alice

Refreshments:  Marcella

Sermon for Sunday, Aug. 19: http://chirb.it/t26nh2

______________________________________________________________
St. John Singers - St. John Singers will offer a response to the Eucharist this Sunday. Please come and hear the inaugural offering of the St. John Singers.

Bishop’s Days for Parish Leaders – This year’s topic will be “Enlivening Our Faith for Generations to Come” and will be held October 27 at Emmanuel, Virginia Beach. This event is NOT just for Vestry members or Wardens but is intended for parish leaders. Bishop's Days will offer 14 workshops from which to choose. For complete information about workshops, schedule, registration and a brochure you can download see the Diocesan Website at http://diosova.org.

Christian Formation Offerings – We are looking for a couple people who are willing to have a conversation with me and Canon Caroline Black regarding the Christian Formation offerings for our coming program year. If you are interested in helping chart our course (not specifically teaching but gathering ideas) please contact the Rector.

Committees and Commissions – The Vestry is in the process of reviewing the Parish bylaws, committee, and commission structure. There are many areas where parishioners (and friends) can serve at St. John’s. Please stand by for more information in coming months.

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading 1 Kings 8:1-43, “’Dedication of the Temple,’ ‘Solomon’s Speech,’ and ‘Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication’” from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Song of Solomon 2:8-13, “Springtime Rhapsody.” All are invited to join us for class this Sunday. A reminder; there is nursery service available during the education hour.

Today’s Psalm – We will sing the portion of the Psalter in unison. We will use a metrical version of the Psalter from A New Metrical Psalter by Christopher Webber as we sing Psalm 84 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 72: “Hark! the glad sound!” (Richmond), from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Thanksgiving Jar – I hear you ask, “What is that neat jar in the Narthex for?” We have a lot to be thankful for in our lives; personally, as a church, and as a community; sometimes we lose sight of those blessings. Parishioners are encouraged to bring or place a brief note about their blessings in the jar in the Narthex and at the end of each month we will offer the jar in our offering and at the end of the year we will review the many blessings we have as a church.

Thought for the week – Yes: We can say “yes” to the life we have been given, and not fret and long for the life we dreamed of or wanted. We can begin to see the presence of God in the life we actually have. We can say “yes” to God’s Spirit with us, in every conceivable circumstance.

-Br. Kevin Hackett

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Thu. Aug. 23^rd       * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room/Sanctuary)
Sun. Aug. 26^th       * 10^th Annual “18^th Anniversary Crab Feast” – 5:00 (Parish Hall)
Sat. Sep. 1^st          * Parish Hall reserved for event
Mon. Sep. 3^rd        * Labor Day – Parish Office Closed
Thu. Sep. 6^th         * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
                             * CAPS Services Coordinator Reception – 7:00 pm (WRPC)
Sat. Sep. 8^th         * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Sep 9^th          * Grandparent’s Day
Mon. Sep. 10^th       * Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)
Thu. Sep. 13^th        * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Mon. Sep. 17^th       * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
                             (Parish Hall)
Thu. Sep. 20^th       * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Thu. Sep. 27^th       * St. John Singers rehearsal – 7:00 pm (Choir Room)
Sat. Sep. 29^th       * 5^th Saturday Luncheon at Salvation Army
____________________________________________________________
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/

PASTORAL CARE

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

St. John’s shut-ins, Marianne, Meriwether, Allen, David, Shirley, Suzanne, Janis, Dominique, Virginia, Lon, Luann, Faye and family, Carter and family, Marvin, Sally, Bill, Heather, Pat, Charles, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, the Chapman family, Hallie, Bette, Lucinda, and Don.

Serving in the Armed Forces: David, Bryan, Susan, Elizabeth, and Dane

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Peg & Ted
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Pat Kellam.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Anglican Church of Southern Cone of America; The Most Rev. Hector Zavala Muñoz, Presiding Bishop of the Southern cone & Bishop of Chile.

Flowers are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of her parents Leo and Sylvena Vigil and the parents of Gib, Gibson and Peggy Chapman, by Leone.

Birthdays in August

Meriwether 01                         Nick 01
Anne 06                                  Shirley 07
Mary Kemple 13                     Alan 14
Margaret 18                             Martha 18
Ben 26                                     Bryan 28
Regina 29

Anniversaries in August

Dianne & Bryan 05                 Ann & John 10
Lizzie & Shawn 17                 Landy & Randy 29

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

Christian Formation for Sunday August 26, 2012; 1 Kings 8:1-43, "A Solomon Trilogy"

August 26, 2012, 13 Pentecost

1 Kings 8:1-43

Dedication of the Temple

Solomon’s Speech

Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication

Background: The book of 1 Kings is a continuation of the Deuteronomistic history but the focus of the text is the developing religious orthodoxy of the Israelites. The principal theology of Kings is that יהוה is Israel’s only God and that God can only properly be worshiped in one place – the holy temple in Jerusalem.

Theme: Solomon has finished the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. In this passage he dedicates the structure to be the appropriate place where God is worshiped by the Israelites. Following the dedication he “transfers” the power of the Ark of the Covenant from the tabernacle his father built to the temple. We will also see Solomon reiterate the tenets of the Deuteronomistic law.

Questions to Ponder

* Please read the entire passage 1 Kings 8:1-43

* Briefly describe the political, social, and religious setting of this passage.

* For what reason might this passage be recounted to the Israelites? What might the significance of the story be in the greater experience of the nation of Israel and the worship of the Jews?

* Where do you think Solomon was moving the Ark from and to? What importance would the moving of the Ark have in the life of the Israelites?

* How do you think this story might be connected to the mythology and folklore of the ancient Near East? Do you think that is important to the intent of the passage? Why or why not?

* It has been posited that the dedication of the temple might have fallen almost a year after completion; why might the delay have occurred and what significance would the delay have?

* What might the significance of the “darkness” and “cloud” be in this passage? How might this be important to the overall message of the passage?

* Why might it be important for the Jews to have the Ark in the temple? How might this be viewed through the lens of the writers of the Deuteronomistic history?

* Do you think the “reminders” provided by Solomon in verses 31-32, 33-34, 35-36, 37-40, and 41-42 were directed at God, at the Israelites, at both, or at neither? Why might Solomon made these 5 (and the succeeding 2 others) statements about the relationship of God and the people?

* Why might Solomon’s consecration of the temple; oration about God’s presence; and prayer of dedication be significant in the history of Israel? Why might it be significant to us today as we live out a faithful devotion to God?

* How might this passage impact our life as a church at St. John’s? How could this passage be viewed as a confirmation or reminder about the appropriate place for worship?

* Do you think there is a specific place where God can be worshiped? Might there be someplace where worship is more “effective” than others? Why or why not?

Sermon for Sunday August 19, 2012

We pray you are well today and blessed by the changing seasons. Our worship today was fine on this blustry mid-August day. We welcomed a new sitter in the nursery, Kayla Baker had some fun with some of our younger kids and shared the nursery with Lizzie. There were a few visitors welcomed and we had a blessed time with our monthly healing Eucharist. Today, we looked at the 4th Sunday's gospel lesson about the body of Christ as bread for the world. I invite your likes and comments on this sermon entitled "the old bread in the wilderness was enough to get us here but Jesus' body sustains us for the coming journey in God's world."
Les+

http://chirb.it/t26nh2