St. John's e-News for Sunday March 17, 2013

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.

 

Easter Lily Orders – Use the form in this bulletin to order your Easter lilies that will be used to decorate the church for Easter Sunday. The dedications will appear in the Easter Sunday bulletin for the second service.

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March 17, 2013, 10:30 am Litany of Healing and Holy Eucharist Rite I

Lessons for the Fifth Sunday in Lent

First Lesson:  Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm:  Psalm 126

Second Lesson:  Philippians 3:4b-11

Gospel:  John 12:1-8

 

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Suze

Prayers:  Suze

Ushers:  Gary and Marcella

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Steven and Suze

 

Sermon for Sunday, Mar. 10: http://chirb.it/vL8HtF

______________________________________________________________

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.

 

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.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Our Lenten series will continue on March 13 and 20. 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 continue our investigation of our worship, liturgical, and denominational heritage. We will endeavor to survey the growth of the Anglican Church, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Book of Common Prayer. We will close the investigation with an examination of some of the vast resources available for personal and corporate worship in the Episcopal Church. 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.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will continue its study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw. We will take one day off on March 27. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

St. John’s Meatfare Sunday Potluck – Thanks to all who participated.  Thanks to Marcella and Anne for setting up the Parish Hall for this event.

 

Community Outreach – There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 3^rd, in the Parish Hall from 7:00-8:30 pm.  All are invited.

 

Spring Craft and Vendor Fair – The fair will be held on Saturday, April 13^th, in the Parish Hall from 10:00-3:00 pm. We need volunteers to assist with set up, making baked goods, and clean up. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 43:16-21, “Restoration and Protection Promised” from 9:15-10:15 am come see what the buzz is about. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 50:4-9a, “The Servant’s Humiliation and Vindication” 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 – Distraction: Life is inevitably full of movement, and we know that Jesus was often on the go. He says more than once to his followers, “Come, follow me.” He sends his followers out: “Go into all the world.” He talks about laboring and sowing and harvesting. And yet Jesus also talks about being. Simply being is what can be so elusive and so lost. “Abide with me,” we hear Jesus saying.” “Stay with me,” he says.

-Br. Curtis Almquist

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:

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

Wed. Mar. 13^th       * 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 - 8:00 – 11:00 am (Primary date)

Mon. Mar. 18^th        * Junto G.F.C.W meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish House)

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)

Tue. Mar. 26^th       * Obici Healthcare Foundation Bravo Breakfast –

                             9:00 – 11:30 am (Smithfield Center)

Wed. Mar. 27^th      * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 (Choir Room)

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

Mon. Apr. 1^st          * Easter Monday – Parish Office closed

Wed. Apr. 3^rd        * Outreach Committee Meeting – 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

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, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Frances, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, June, Ronald, and Dorothy.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Joel & Robin

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Richard & Susan Watson

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Duncan Gray of Province IV in Mississippi.

 

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 Sunday March 17 - Isaiah 43:14-21; Restoration and Protection Promised

March 17, 2013 – 5 Lent

Isaiah 43:14-21

Restoration and Protection Promised

 

Background: This portion of the prophet Isaiah falls within what is commonly known as Second Isaiah. This portion is most likely composed immediately before the fall of Babylon to Cyrus of Persia. Isaiah serves as a reminder that God will remember God’s people and will deliver them from their oppressors in God’s time.

 

Theme: An overarching theme in Second Isaiah is the significance of historical events in God’s plan – one that extends from creation to redemption. There are markers of that theme in the reading for today. The prophet points out how God has been in control of Israel’s situation from before the Exodus from Egypt through their current exile in Babylon.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Isaiah 43:14-21, adding verses 14 and 15 to the Lectionary assignment.

* Briefly describe the setting of this passage.

* What do you think the principal issue the prophet (or the writer) was addressing in this passage?

* In verse 15 the writer “piles on” numerous adjectives/honorifics for God. Why do you think that is the case?

* Also in verse 15, the writer lists God as King (note the starting capital letter); what might the significance of that designation be?

* In verses 18 through 19a, what might the old and new things be that Isaiah is comparing? What do you think the comparison of the old and the new is supposed to do in the life of the Israelites?

* In verses 19b through 21, how might this portion of the passage recall the 40 year journey in the Wilderness? Why might the recollection of the Wilderness journey be important in the present day (of the writer)?

* What should the recollection of the Wilderness journey and God’s presence spark in the Israelites, both while in Babylon and later, once they return to Israel?

* What might the significance of naming God (literally “the Holy One” in the text) as Redeemer when the prophet is speaking to Israel about the future actions being prophesied?

* What are some of the reminders for the Israelites about their standing as God’s chosen people in today’s text?

* How might the message in today’s portion of the book Isaiah a promise of hope and restoration to Israel in exile?

* How might the message be one of good news to first century Christians? Is the message of good news different for twenty-first century Christians?

* What applications and challenges does this passage provide for us today, at St. John’s, in the Christian Church, and in an increasingly pluralistic (multi-faith) world?

Reflection and Sermon for March 10

Happy Daylight Saving Time! I hope everyone remembered to set their clocks ahead this morning. We continued our discussion about the Old Testament lessons looking at Joshua and the Israelite's return to relationship with God through their (second) circumcision and reinstitution of the Passover. We took hope in God's desire to be reconciled with humanity after their 40 year sojourn in the wilderness.

In worship today we looked at the Gospel reading and how the 4 principal characters in the story; the two sons, the father, and the Scribes and Pharisees. There was reflection on how each of the characters helps define humanity. We also saw, through the lens of Paul, how we become truly reconciled from the flawed humans of the Gospel by looking at each other as parts of he body of Christ and God.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/vL8HtF

The March edition of The Word from St. John's

Greetings from St. John's. February has come to a close and we begin our journey through March to the end of Lent and Easter. Please find the most recent edition of The Word from St. John's newsletter at: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ckmla5tb695hmw8/The_Word_March_2013.pdf. I invite your comments and reflections.

Les+

St. John's e-News for Sunday March 10, 2013; Meatfare Sunday

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. More information about Meatfare Sunday can be found at either of these links: http://www.antiochian.org/great-lent-excerpts/last_judgement and http://orthodoxwiki.org/Sunday_of_the_Last_Judgment

 

Easter Lily Orders – Use the form in this bulletin to order your Easter lilies that will be used to decorate the church for Easter Sunday. The dedications will appear in the Easter Sunday bulletin for the second service.

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

Lessons for the Fourth Sunday in Lent

First Lesson:  Joshua 5:9-12

Psalm:  Psalm 32

Second Lesson:  2 Corinthians 5:16-21

Gospel:  Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

 

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

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Kevin

Prayers:  Terry

Ushers:  Anne and Bert

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Meatfare Potluck

 

Sermon for Sunday, Mar. 3: http://chirb.it/JzMzEG

______________________________________________________________

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.

 

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.

 

Wednesday Night Lenten Series – Our Lenten series will continue on March 6, 13, and 20. 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 begin our investigation of our worship, liturgical, and denominational heritage. We will endeavor to survey the growth of the Anglican Church, the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and the Book of Common Prayer. We will close the investigation with an examination of some of the vast resources available for personal and corporate worship in the Episcopal Church. 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.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will hopefully begin its study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw on Wednesday, March 13. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

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.

 

Community Outreach – There will be a meeting on Wednesday, April 3^rd, in the Parish Hall from 7:00-8:30 pm.  All are invited.

 

Spring Craft and Vendor Fair – The fair will be held on Saturday, April 13^th, in the Parish Hall from 10:00-3:00 pm. We need volunteers to assist with set up, making baked goods, and clean up. There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Narthex.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This coming Sunday we will discuss our Old Testament reading Joshua 5:9-12, “The New Generation Circumcised” from 9:15-10:15 am come see what the buzz is about. Next week’s class will discuss our Old Testament reading Isaiah 43:16-21, “Restoration and Protection Promised” 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 – Listen: If God seems distant or uncommunicative these days, maybe you’re simply not listening. God doesn’t shout: God’s first language is silence. Maybe in your prayers you are doing too much talking and not enough listening.

-Br. Geoffrey Tristram

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

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

Sat. Mar. 9^th         * James River Rug Hookers – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

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)

Mon. Mar. 18^th        * Junto G.F.C.W meeting – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish House)

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

Mon. Apr. 1^st          * Easter Monday – Parish Office closed

Wed. Apr. 3^rd        * Outreach Committee Meeting – 7:00 - 8:30 pm (Parish Hall)

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, Lon, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Frances, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, and Jeanie.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Alice & Marvin

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Susan Grimm

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Thalari Samuel Kanaka Prasad Medak of South India.

 

Birthdays in March

David 02                     Shannon 06

Brooks 07                    Wade 08

Mary-Margaret 08       Caroline West 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 - Joshua 5:2-12; The New Generation Circumcised and the Passover

March 10, 2013 – 4 Lent

Joshua 5:2-12

The New Generation Circumcised

The Passover at Gilgal

 

Background: The Harper’s Bible Commentary states “The dominant conviction presented in the book of Joshua is that Israel was destined to become a covenant people in a special land prepared for them by יהוה.” We see Joshua as the one who ensures the new people of Israel keep the Torah given to Moses in the Promise Land, beginning from entry into the land of Canaan to the tribes settling and driving out the residents of the land.

 

Theme: The people of Israel have completed their “40 year” journey in the Wilderness and have crossed over the Jordan into the land of Canaan. In light of their entry into Canaan, the Israelites must begin to live into the tenets of the covenant given to Moses. Today’s story begins the investigation into Israel’s return to the covenant.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Joshua 5:2-12. Please skim chapters 1-4 for context.

* Briefly describe the setting of this passage.

* In what month has the crossing of the Jordan taken place? In which month do the Israelites celebrate the Passover?

* For what reasons might Joshua be directed by God to prepare to circumcise the Israelites who had passed through the Jordan into Canaan?

* In verse 3, the hill where the mass circumcision took place is named (Gibeath-haaraloth [the Hill of Foreskins]) with no indication of when the hill was named – before or after the event. Why might it be important to know the name of the hill, for both the Israelites and for us?

* What seems odd about the timing of the circumcision with respect to the crossing of the Jordan and the ensuing celebration of the Passover?

* The writer specifically states “all the males of the people who came out of Egypt, all the warriors, had died during the journey through the wilderness…” What do you think happened to the women and children who had escaped from captivity in Egypt? Might they have survived until old age in the desert and passed into Canaan? How might the presence of women and children from captivity make a difference to the impact of the story and if so, why?

* The statement about the cause of death of the past generation seems out of place in the story. Why might that recounting be present in the text?

* Why might the Israelites have not circumcised their male offspring while in the wilderness?

* How does God “roll away the disgrace of Egypt” as the Israelites observe the circumcision rite?

* On which “14^th day of the month” does Israel celebrate the Passover in verse 10? Is that the “correct” day for the celebration?

* Why might the Israelites celebrate the Passover at that time?

* What might the significance be of the pronouncement that manna ceased to be available to the Israelites?

* What is the good news in this passage? How do we share the good news in our life and ministry?

Reflection and sermon for Sunday March 3, 2013

Greetings at the beginning of March and the middle of Lent. We took a look at Moses and his commissioning by God in the burning bush. It was engaging to realize Moses was endearing because he was so human; he was drawn to engage God unaware and when realizing that he looked away and became a reluctant leader. A good conversation in formation class.

We had a blessed worship experience with a full choir back in the stalls. Our sermon and reflection today focused on how we are drawn to God and through that coming closer to God we are encouraged to enter a deeper relationship with God. We also looked at the reality of people who come to visit us are like us - all human with fears and hopes, and that they, like us, are responding to a call from God into a deeper relationship.

I invite your comments and likes as we begin our turn to the approaching close of Lent.
Les+

http://chirb.it/JzMzEG