St. John's e-News for May 12, 2013

Pentecost Worship and Potluck – Pentecost is next Sunday, May 19^th. Wear Red in honor of the coming of the Holy Spirit. We will hold the pot luck outside. The weather will be nice. Chicken will be provided by the Hospitality Committee and a sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex for side dishes and desserts.

 

Poison Ivy! – There appears to be a super-abundance of poison ivy on the church property this year. We have found poison ivy vines along the banks of the pond, inside some of the fenced in sections of the graveyard, on the trunks of the trees, and in the back field. Please be careful if you head “overland” and off the beaten path until we can take steps to remove the vines.

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May 12, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Seventh Sunday of Easter

First Lesson:  Acts 16:16-34

Psalm:  Psalm 97

Second Lesson:  Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21

Gospel:  John 17:20-26

 

Lay Participants for May 12, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Kathy

Prayers:  Jim

Ushers:  Lynn and Marcella

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Marlene

 

Sermon for Sunday, May 5: http://chirb.it/1y18E0

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St. John Singers – A special thank you is offered to our Minister of Music, Roger Peyton, and the members of the St. John Singers: Terry, Kathy, Fr. Les, Steven, Susan, Alice, Fred, and Leone. The choir will begin their summer break, a period of rest, reflection, and re-creation before returning to their stalls in the fall. I am very happy that we have a dedicated group who has started from scratch and become an attentive and musical group of worship ministers. Please offer Roger and the Choir a hearty thank you.

 

Church Flowers – The Altar Guild has posted the flower sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please read the sign-up instructions also posted in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn.

 

Sanctuary Roof Update – The Vestry is in the process of gathering more recommendations and bids for the Sanctuary Roof. They are inviting a few contractors to ascertain the state of the roof and make a recommendation about retaining the present roof, repairing what is present, or replacing the roof system. We are looking for estimates using a variety of materials to ensure thoroughness while maintaining the integrity of the sanctuary – wood shingles, engineered wood-like shingles, and architectural shingles. Once all recommendations and bids are received the vestry will present the findings to the Parish for information, discussion, and decision making.

 

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 97 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 76, “On Jordan’s bank” (Winchester New) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry – The spring Fish Fry fundraiser for the Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department will be held on Saturday June 8. Please come out and support our local all volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Be on the lookout for more information about the ticket cost and locations to purchase tickets.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study concluded its session this coming morning. The Wednesday morning session will take a break for the summer and will reconvene in the fall. Keep a slot open on Wednesday mornings for our next study. Thank you to all who have participated, Margaret and the Rector.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Acts 16:16-34, “Paul and Silas in Prison” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the first New Testament (substitute for the Old Testament in Easter Season) lesson Acts 2:1-21, “’The Coming of the Holy Spirit’ and ‘Peter Addresses the Crowd’” 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 – Yes: We were made for “Yes.” Jesus said that he came so that we might have life — and have it abundantly. We were made for senseless acts of beauty —a nd fun! Senseless acts of beauty—and fun—are not necessary for our physical survival. But they are essential to our humanity.

-Br. Mark Brown

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. May 2^nd          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Wed. May 8^th         * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. May 9^th          * Spring Clergy Conference – Rector Out of Office

Sun. May 12^th         * Mother’s Day

Mon. May 13^th        * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sat. May 18^th         * One Harvest Pickup

Sun. May 19^th         * Pentecost – Worship at Pond Altar

                             * Parish Potluck

Sun. May 26^th        * Growth Team Meeting – following worship (Parish Hall)

Mon. May 27^th        * Memorial Day – Office closed

Sat. Jun. 8^th          * Chuckatuck Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry

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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, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Rev. Mike, Bruce, Bob, and Leone.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Don & Marcella

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Rev. Ed & Martha Bushong; The Rev. Rebecca & Kerry Dean.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Communion.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of our Mothers, Renée Brady and Mildred Reed, and in honor of all mothers by Kevin and Terry.

 

Birthdays in May

Claudia 10                   Margaret 10

Steve 14                      Sterling 15

Christine 17                 Mary 22

Bert 24

 

Anniversaries in May

Jim & Susan 14                       Joe & Mary-Margaret 24

Alan & Sarah 25                     Dennis & Rusty 31

 

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

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Christian Formation for May 12 - Acts 16:16-34; Paul and Silas in Prison

May 12, 2013 – 7 Easter

Acts 16:16-34

Paul and Silas in Prison

 

Background: The Acts of the Apostles is a unique book in the New Testament. This book is the companion to the Gospel of Luke and provides much of the history of the early church. This section continues to report on the growing mission to the Gentiles in Europe and picks up at the end of the story of Lydia’s baptism.

 

Theme: Paul continues his mission in Philippi following his meeting with Lydia and the members of her community. As Paul and Silas travel through Philippi they experience witness to their faith and oppression by the Roman rulers of the day. This story provides a picture of the power of the Holy Spirit to turn people and to demonstrate God’s power in the world.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Acts 16:16-40 for today’s reading. Briefly describe the setting for this passage.

* Where and when does this story take place?

* What is the issue with divination and fortune telling? The “spirit of divination” could be literally translated as “the spirit of Python (a serpent of the oracle of Delphi); what impact would that interpretation of this passage have readers of the day?

* How does this passage of exorcism compare or contrast the stories told about Peter and Jewish magicians in Acts 8:9-24 and 13:8-12?

* Do you think there is a connection between the girl being called a “slave-girl” (v. 16) and her calling Paul and Silas “slaves of the Most High God” (v. 17)?

* What do you think the charge was levied by the slave-girl’s owners against Paul and Silas? How does their charge compare with the charge against Jesus before his crucifixion? Do you think Paul and Silas warranted the punishment they received?

* Why might the jailer want to kill himself when he found the prison open? How does his reaction to his potential “unmerited sentence” contrast Paul and Silas’ response to their sentence? What do you think that is telling us for our current situation?

* What do you think the jailer expected from Paul and Silas when he asked “what must I do to be saved?”

* What do you think Paul meant when he told the jailer “[to receive salvation] believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”?

* By what means do you think Paul is as defiant as he is portrayed in verse 37? What do you think his response signaled to the new Christians in his time?

* What is the message of hope that we garner from this passage?

* How do we translate this passage into something that applies in our time and context?

Conversations with Scripture... Chapter 8 questions

Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other

Chapter 8

“Conflict”

Life in community brings…

 

Questions for discussion

1. What do you think the point of this chapter is?

2. Was Shaw’s description of what the chapter was not meant to do helpful in getting his point across?

3. In the first paragraph, Shaw relates “no matter how kind and well meaning we Christians are, there is going to be conflict in Christian community.” How does this claim compare with your experience of Christian communities?

4. One could claim there is nothing exclusive about Christian communities with regard to conflict. Why do you think conflict is so divisive in Christianity and communities of faith when compared to secular society?

5. What distinction is evoked when contrasting “Jewish believers in Christ” to “Gentile followers of Jesus.”?

6. On pages 81-83 Shaw paints a picture of contrasting images of Christ and the communities of faith. What do you think are the underlying issues that cross the bounds of all the images presented on those pages?

7. From where is the source of most tension in our lives of faith?

8. Shaw seems to point out that conflict and conflict resolution serves a deeper purpose than simply solving a disagreement. (pp. 85-88) He tries to reflect that at is foundation, “conflict [should be] becomes a means of conversion.” Does this claim agree with your experience of conflict and conflict resolution?

9. Why might Shaw claim that avoiding conflict leads to a loss for the community? Do you think there is grace in addressing conflict in a manner like Shaw presents?

10. Do you think a contributing factor to conflict avoidance is the subconscious reluctance to sacrifice or give up something we hold dear?

11. Shaw brings up the passage, John 14:6, as the source of exclusivity in salvation resting in Christ alone. (…I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.) He states he was asked to make a “clear and definitive statement” declaring the “true” (emphasis added) meaning of the passage. How would you have responded to those requests? How do you think he responded to those requests? How do you think he believes the Gospel writers and Paul would have chosen to address this conflict?

12. How do we help ourselves live in the world where we are assured conflict will exist without living unhealthy or unproductive lives?

  

Preparatory Scripture Passages

Please read and reflect on the following passages:

From the text:

Mark 7:24-30 (Syrophoenician woman)

Mark 10:35-40 (Leadership struggle)

Mark 8:27-30

John 14:6

 

Synopsis

·         Describes what the chapter is NOT supposed to do

o   States part of being in a Christian Community will lead to conflict

·         Looks at the story behind the story of Scripture

o   Paints a picture of Mark’s community of faith

o   Compares and contrasts the diverse community in Antioch

o   Looks at conflict as the story of change from societal norms to a Christian ethos

·         Relates Paul’s method of conflict management

o   Highlights the appearance of prayer and patience in conflict management

o   Asserts that conflict is a means of conversion

·         In the context of our current life

o   Identifies some potential losses and gains from the way we address conflict

o   Attempts to help us take a long view with regard to conflict management

·         Describes a possible scenario that might be of relevance to a modern church

o   Poses questions about the potential exclusivity growing out of John 14:6

·         Closes with a statement that conflict is often based on something unspoken on the part of either or both parties

The Word from St. John's for May 2013

As we begin the month of May, I invite you to take a look at the most recent edition of The Word from St. John's for May 2013.

https://www.dropbox.com/l/Z3W84MdeQslkfJubFOYFva

If you have any questions please contact the Church.

Les+

May 5 - reflections and Sermon link

Greetings on the first Sunday in May on a beautiful Rogation Sunday. A double dose of our reading from Acts; both in Formation class and as the main topic of today's sermon. It was enlightening to take a detailed look at Paul and Lydia in class and discuss how we are called to look outside the status quo for places where God is calling us to work.

In worship we had a good group of people and a nice offering from the choir. They sang Christ, Circle Round Us as a communion offering - probably a nice wrap to the first portion of their first year together. Many thanks to Roger, our Minister of Music for helping us worship and remember the blessings of our shared life. Our singing was also a good springboard into the sermon today - sometimes the best laid plans don't work out exactly like we'd like them; but in God's world, if we listen and be attentive we will find the place where God is calling us to do God's work.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/1y18E0

Readings: Acts 16:9-15; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5; John 14:23-29

St. John's e-News for Sunday May 5, 2013

Rogation Procession – All are invited to follow the choir for a brief procession into the Church yard in honor of Rogation Sunday. Please use the insert from today’s bulletin.

 

Pentecost Worship and Potluck – Pentecost is on May 19^th. We will hold the pot luck outside. The weather will be nice. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex.

 

Growth Team – There will a one-hour meeting of the Growth Team in the Parish House following worship today. Please keep this team in your prayers as we investigate how to continue being faithful stewards of our Church.

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May 5, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

First Lesson:  Acts 16:9-15

Psalm:  Psalm 67

Second Lesson:  Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5

Gospel:  John 14:23-29

 

Lay Participants for May 5, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Kevin

Prayers:  Terry

Ushers:  Nick and Tina

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Marcella

 

Sermon for Sunday, Apr. 28: http://chirb.it/rGcO8y

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Church Flowers – The Altar Guild has posted the flower sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Please read the sign-up instructions also posted in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn.

 

Sanctuary Roof Update – The Vestry is in the process of gathering more recommendations and bids for the Sanctuary Roof. They are inviting a few contractors to ascertain the state of the roof and make a recommendation about retaining the present roof, repairing what is present, or replacing the roof system. We are looking for estimates using a variety of materials to ensure thoroughness while maintaining the integrity of the sanctuary – wood shingles, engineered wood-like shingles, and architectural shingles. Once all recommendations and bids are received the vestry will present the findings to the Parish for information, discussion, and decision making.

 

Chalicers/Eucharistic Ministers – I would like to enlist some more volunteers to serve at the Altar as Chalicist/Eucharistic Minister/Acolyte. I feel that the Parish wants to have that ministry function on a regular basis but I also feel we may be burning out the licensed Eucharistic Ministers. The licensing requirement is simple – some training by me (nothing difficult), and an application for licensing to the Diocesan Office (which is never turned down). Please pray about this ministry and contact the Rector if you feel called to serve.

 

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 67 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 436, “Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates” (Truro) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

 

Volunteer opportunity – King’s Fork High School is looking for assistance to help them reach full accreditation. They have requested our prayers and for people to volunteer helping the students. More information can be found on the Suffolk Public School’s website at: http://www.spsk12.net/parents/volunteer/. Thank you for prayerfully considering this opportunity to volunteer to help in our community.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will conclude its session this coming Wednesday May8 at 10:00 am. We will continue our study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw. We will study and discuss Chapter 8, “Conflict Management” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. Following the lesson we will close with our semi-annual potluck luncheon. If you are interested please contact Margaret or the Rector.

 

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

 

Formation Classes – This week we will discuss Acts 16:9-15, “’Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia’ and ‘The Conversion of Lydia’” from 9:15-10:15 am in the Parish Hall. Next week’s class will discuss the first New Testament (substitute for the Old Testament in Easter Season) lesson Acts 16:16-34, “Paul and Silas in Prison” 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 – Salvation: Each of us who has encountered Jesus and follows him carries a unique story of salvation, a story of freedom God has given us to be who we are, to go after life with both hands, the freedom to make mistakes sometimes, to get lost occasionally and then find our way back home.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

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Upcoming Events:

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

Thu. May 2^nd          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sat. May 4^th          * Diocese-wide Community Service Day

Sun. May 5^th          * Growth Team meeting – Following service (Parish Hall)

Wed. May 8^th         * Book Study – 10:00 – 11:30 am (Parish Hall)

Thu. May 9^th          * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Sun. May 12^th         * Mother’s Day

Mon. May 13^th        * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Sat. May 18^th         * One Harvest Pickup

Sun. May 19^th         * Pentecost – Worship at Pond Altar

                             * Parish Potluck

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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, Pat, Barbara, Tina, Kathleen and Fergal, Steve, Morse, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Rev. Mike, Bruce, and Bob.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Millard

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Julian Hudson - Historiographer.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Martin Wharton, Bishop of Newcastle, York, England; The Rt. Rev. Francis White, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle, York, England.

 

Flower Dedication: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Terry’s daughters, Heather and Holly, by Kevin and Terry.

 

Birthdays in May

Claudia 10                   Margaret 10

Steve 14                      Sterling 15

Christine 17                 Mary 22

Bert 24

 

Anniversaries in May

Jim & Susan 14           Joe & Mary-Margaret 24

Alan & Sarah 25         Dennis and Rusty 31

 

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

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