Christian Formation for Sunday March 25, 2012 - Jeremiah 31:31-34; A New Covenant

March 25, 2012; 5^th Sunday of Lent

Jeremiah 31:31-34

A New Covenant

 

Theme: This passage serves as a reinstitution of the Sinai Covenant by God. While the Israelites have been in exile due to their sin God has reinterpreted how the covenant will be observed and the requirements levied on the people to indicate their adherence to the covenant.

Background: Israel has been in exile in Babylon and Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonian army. This passage appears to be in an independent section entitled the Book of Consolation, Jeremiah 30:1-31:40. Israel had been taken into exile due to their inability to maintain their portion of the covenant relationship – adherence to God’s law. Yet God wants to remind them that they are still God’s chosen people

Questions to Ponder

* Read Jeremiah 30:1-31:40 for context.

* Briefly relate the status of Israel: it’s political, religious, and social standing.

* What are the parts of a covenant, especially between two parties of such disparate position (God’s divinity and Israel’s sinfulness)? How might a covenant be broken, especially between God and Israel?

* In your understanding, was God’s covenant (or covenants) with Israel ever rescinded?

* How do you think God intended to assure the Israelites that a day would come when a new covenant would be made (cut) between the house of Judah and God? How believable would it have been to the people considering their exile and besiegement?

* Do you think God was relieving the Israelites of their need to maintain God’s law by creating the new covenant? Why or why not?

* Why do you think the Covenant might have needed to be updated?

* It can be argued there are 6 elements to the new covenant. What do you think those elements might be? Is there anything that is surprising about those elements?

* How might the new covenant be “unlike the covenant that I [God] made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt…”?

* How might the covenant be known by “I [God - יהוה] will be their God and they shall be my people…”?

* What is surprising, if anything, about the phrase in verse 34 “…for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest…”?

* How has God forgiven the Israelite’s iniquity and forgotten their sins? Do you think that means that God really doesn’t remember Israel’s (and ours by extension) sins?

* If God has forgiven our iniquity, why do we still know our iniquity and the impact of our sinfulness in God’s world?

* How might the Israelites (and us) feel an assurance of God’s forgiveness, especially considering they were either exiled or besieged by an occupying force?

*What is the application of this passage in our life and ministry?

Upcoming Schedule for Holy Week

Our schedule for Holy Week beginning April 1, 2012:

Sunday April 1      Procession of the Palms and Passion Gospel - 10:30 am at St. John's
Thursday April 5   Community Maundy Thursday Supper and Service - Oakland Community Church
                               Supper 6:00 pm
                               Service of Footwashing and Communion 7:00 pm
                               Rev. Janet Weider, Celebrant; Rev. Ileana Rosario, Preacher
Friday April 6        Community Good Friday Service - Wesley United Methodist Church - 7:00 pm
                               Rev. Ileana Rosario, Celebrant; Rev. Les Ferguson, Preacher
Sunday April 8      Community Easter Sunrise Service - 6:30 am at St. John's Outdoor Altar
                               Rev. Les Ferguson, Celebrant; Rev. Janet Weider, Preacher
                               Festive Eucharist - 10:30 am at St. John's

Come join us in our celebrations.

Les+

Sermon for Sunday March 18, 2012 - 4 Lent Year B

Greetings as we continue our trek in Lent, just 2 Sundays before Palm Sunday. We had a good workday yesterday getting ready for the coming Paschal Celebration but remembered our presence in the reflections of Lent. We looked at how we trust of don’t trust God in our lives; today’s sermon is attached entitled “Where do we show our trust in God?” Comments and likes encouraged.

Les+

http://chirb.it/z2ffPt

St. John's e-News for Sunday March 18, 2012 - 4th Sunday in Lent

Easter lily Orders – Please consider sponsoring an Easter lily this year. If you would like to purchase one, please use the form in this week’s 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.

Salvation Army Saturday Luncheon – We will be assisting on the 5^th Saturday this month, March 31. Terry will be unavailable to head up the contingent this month. If anyone would like to participate please let her know – she can give you more details about the requirements.

Our Lenten Worship – Because we are using Rite I for the Eucharist it is recommended that we review our responses during the Liturgy. There are subtle changes in the phraseology, for instance “And with thy spirit” as opposed to “And also with you.”

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March 18, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I and Litany of Healing
Lessons for the Fourth Sunday in Lent
First Lesson:  Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm:  107:1-3, 17-22
Second Lesson:  Ephesians 2:1-10
Gospel:  John 3:14-21

Lay Participants for March 11, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim
Lector:  Kathy
Prayers:  Jim
Ushers:  Nick and Tina
Nursery Attendant:  Khristina
Nursery Assistant:  Jen/Burr

Refreshments:  No one has signed up

Sermon for March 11: http://chirb.it/IOgBtz
______________________________________________________________
Welcome to a new Chuckatuck area Pastor – We bid greetings to Pastor Terry Morrison, the Interim Pastor at Whitehead’s Grove Baptist Church. He has been serving as their Pastor for almost 2 weeks and is getting settled in the area. If you see him, give him a warm St. John’s welcome. When we see members of his Parish, hopefully during Holy Week, make sure they are welcomed to worship with us.

Lenten Series and Soup Supper – We will continue our practice of a Lenten Series and Soup Supper beginning at 6:30 pm March 14^th and continuing until the week before Holy Week. We will survey World Religions with primary focus on monotheistic religions: Judaism and Islam; as well as (hopefully) Hinduism. This week we will complete our survey of Judaism and next week we will begin our survey of Islam. Please come join us for food, fellowship, and education.

Parish Growth Strategy – Burr has agreed to serve as the head of our Parish Growth Committee. He will be contacting members of the Parish to identify the areas where we see potential growth and what actions we can take to achieve that growth. Please prayerfully consider serving on this committee if called.

Holy Week Community Services – Again this year the Greater Oakland and Chuckatuck churches will celebrate Holy Week Services as Community Services. The schedule will be: Maundy Thursday (Apr. 5) at Oakland Community Church; dinner begins at 6:00 pm and a service of foot washing and Eucharist follows. Good Friday (Apr. 6) will be held at Wesley Chapel beginning at 7:00 pm. We will host Easter Sunrise Service at the Pond Altar at 6:30 am.

          Oakland would like a headcount for dinner before April 2. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. Please join our Christian Community in Oakland and Chuckatuck observe Holy Week as a community.

Concerts at Christ and Saint Luke’s – Dr. Allen Shaffer will be retiring from his position as Organist and Director of Music at Christ and Saint Luke's Church on June 30. He is presenting two "farewell" concerts to mark this momentous milestone in his career. The first recital is this Sunday, March 18, and embraces the organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach. The program begins at 4:00 PM. There is no admission and there will be a reception following the performance.

          Christ and Saint Luke's Church is at 560 West Olney Road in downtown Norfolk, midway between the Chrysler Museum and Eastern Virginia medical center. The phone number at the church is 627-5665. There is a leaflet in the Narthex with the full program for this Sunday afternoon.

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 107:1-3, 17-22 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 126: The people who in darkness walked (Dundee) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Formation Classes – We will discuss our Old Testament reading Numbers 21:4-9, “The Bronze Serpent” this Sunday from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week will continue our study of the Old Testament Lectionary reading; Jeremiah 31:31-34, “A New Covenant.” All are invited to join us for class.

Wednesday Book Study - Our book study will continue this coming Wednesday, March 14 at 10:00 am and we will discuss Chapter 9, “Going Home to Goodness” from the book Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference by The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu and The Rev. Mpho Tutu. If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret.

Thought for the week – Mystery: Wherever in your life is victory; there is resurrection. Wherever in your life is joy, there is resurrection. Wherever in your life is wonder, there is resurrection. Wherever in your life is resurrection there is Christ calling you to follow him out of death into his larger and more glorious life.

-Br. James Koester, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
Wed. Mar. 14^th       Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) Judaism
Thu. Mar. 15^th        Diocesan Fresh Start – 10 am – 3:30 pm (Camp Chanco)
Sun. Mar. 18^th        Healing Eucharist
Mon. Mar. 19^th        GFWC Junto Women’s Club – 10 am – 2 pm (Parish House)
Wed. Mar. 21^st       Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) TBD
Wed. Mar. 28^th      Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) TBD
Sat. Mar. 31^st        Salvation Army Luncheon
Sun. Apr. 1^st           Palm Sunday – Procession of the Palms
                             Discretionary Fund Sunday
Thu. Apr. 5^th         Community Maundy Thursday Dinner and Worship – Oakland
                             Christian Church, 6:00 pm (dinner) service following
                             Rev. Janet Weidler, Presiding; Rev. Ileana Rosario Preacher
Fri. Apr. 6^th           Community Good Friday Service – 7:00 pm Wesley Chapel
                             Rev. Ileana Rosario Presiding, Rev. Les Ferguson Preacher
Sun. Apr. 8^th         Easter Sunrise Service 6:30 am; St. John’s Pond Altar;
                             Rev. Les Ferguson Presiding; Rev. Janet Weidler
                             Festive Easter Eucharist - 10:30 am
Mon. Apr. 9^th         Easter Monday – Offices closed
Mon. Apr. 16^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 pm (Parish House)
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
____________________________________________________________
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, David, Evan, Kevin, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Lisa, Terri and Family, Marvin, Denise, Jaelyn, Sally, Bill, Heather, Toni, Pat, Elsie, Charles, and the Goman family.

Deceased: Ray husband of Diane (Bob’s cousin).

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Susan, and Jonathon

Serving Overseas: David
Parish Cycle of Prayer: Christine
Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Epiphany, Norfolk; Good Shepherd, Norfolk; The Rev. Canon Michael & Gwen Spear-Jones (Gwen).
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean; The Most Rev. Ian Gerald James Ernest – Archbishop, Province of Indian Ocean & Bishop of Mauritius.

Birthdays in March

David 02         Steve 05
Shannon 06     Brooks 07
Wade 08          Mary-Margaret 08
Caroline 09      Fred 12
Tim 13             Pretlow 15
John 18            Elizabeth 19
Clare 23           John 27
Cooper 28

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 Education for Sunday March 18, the 4th Sunday in Lent; Numbers 21:4-9; The Bronze Serpent

March 18, 2012; 4^th Sunday of Lent

Numbers 21:4-9

The Bronze Serpent

Theme: The end of the first generation of Israelites following the Exodus. The people continue to complain about God’s treatment in the desert, even in light of the unmerited blessings and providence in their life. The old and unfaithful generation will soon reach their final demise.

Background: Israel has been wandering in the wilderness; all the while God has provided for the people. Even when Israel grumbles at God he provides to meet their desires; often with an unexpected expense for the Israelites. The Israelite’s rebellion against God and Moses earns them punishment; a call for intercession by Moses on their part; and God’s renewed relationship with the nation of Israel. Moses is asked to intercede on behalf of the Israelites with God – ultimately preventing their immediate destruction.

Questions to Ponder

* Briefly describe the state of political, social, and religious affairs in Israel.

* What was the significance of Israel’s difficulties with Edom?

* For what reason was Israel forced to go around Edom as opposed to through it?

* Why do you think the Israelites were getting impatient?

* At whom is their complaint lodged this time?

* When compared with past complaints in the wilderness, how is this complaint different than previous ones?

* With what do they accuse God? How is their complaint internally inconsistent?

* The phrase “poisonous snakes” was recorded as “seraphim” or fiery snakes. What might the significance of Seraphim (fiery snake) be to the Israelites?

* What is ironic to you about Moses’ response to the Israelite’s call for his intercession?

* When Moses intercedes for the Israelites God tells Moses to make an image of a poisonous snake and put it on a pole. Would you consider this snake on a pole as an idol? Why might God make an idol to help restore Israel to health; especially considering the 10 Commandments tell the people to not make graven images?

* Why might God have provided an idol restore the Israelites to health and wholeness, even though they didn’t trust their Creator to do the same thing for them?

* The serpent on the pole appears to be identified as the means by which a person bit by a poisonous would live. It is possible to read this phrase as something that would take place at any time, not specifically in that moment. How does this appear to be inconsistent with what we know about God? How might this impression have gotten in the way of Israel’s relationship with the One, true God?

* Does the “serpent on the pole” get in the way of Israel in the future? If so how? If so what action is taken in that case?

* What is the significance of God’s action for the Israelites?

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

Sermon for Sunday March 11, 2012 - 3 Lent B

Greetings from the midpoint of Lent. We continue our journey looking at the place that God is calling us to reflect on our relationship with God and our Community; then to renew our relationship with an eye on tradition, worship, and sacrifice to keep our eye on God. Today’s sermon “Turning over tables, how God gets us to shake up our relationship with our Creator” is attached. Likes and comments appreciated.

Les+

 
http://chirb.it/IOgBtz

St. John's e-News for Sunday March 11, 2012 - SPRING FORWARD!!

DON’T FORGET: SPRING FORWARD SUNDAY AT 2:00 AM!

Easter lily Orders – Please consider sponsoring an Easter lily this year. If you would like to purchase one, please use the form in this week’s 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.

Bishop’s Visitation – The Rt. Rev. Holly Hollerith will conduct his first official Visitation since his consecration as our Diocesan Bishop on May 6. While not essential this is an opportunity for Baptism, Confirmation, or Reception in the Episcopal Church. For more information about these rites and being Confirmed or Received in May contact the Rector.

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March 11, 2012, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I
Lessons for the Third Sunday in Lent
First Lesson:  Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm:  19
Second Lesson:  1 Corinthians 1:18-25
Gospel:  John 2:13-22

Lay Participants for March 11, 2012 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Terry
Lector:  Ben
Prayers:  Suze
Ushers:  Steven and Suze
Nursery Attendant:  Stephanie
Nursery Assistant:  To be determined

Refreshments:  No one has signed up

Sermon for March 4: http://chirb.it/cIgebF
______________________________________________________________
Lenten Series and Soup Supper – We will continue our practice of a Lenten Series and Soup Supper beginning at 6:30 pm March 7^th and continuing until the week before Holy Week. We will survey World Religions with primary focus on monotheistic religions: Judaism and Islam; as well as (hopefully) Hinduism. Please come join us for food, fellowship, and education.

Parish Growth Strategy – Burr has agreed to serve as the head of our Parish Growth Committee. He will be contacting members of the Parish to identify the areas where we see potential growth and what actions we can take to achieve that growth. Please prayerfully consider serving on this committee if called.

Leading a Holy Life Task Force – The Episcopal Church in Southern Virginia, under the leadership of Bishop Hollerith, has created a blog where members of the churches in our Diocese are encouraged to enter the conversation regarding the potentially divisive subject of same-gender blessings and generally the Biblical discussions regarding human sexuality.

          The blog can be found at http://holylifetf.blogspot.com/. Information about comments is found at: http://holylifetf.blogspot.com/p/commenting-guidelines.html. No one is required to participate in the conversation but this blog is intended to provide a channel where more people across the Diocese of Southern Virginia can participate in this sensitive discussion.
          If you have any questions or would like to participate in a local discussion please contact the Rector.

Our Lenten Worship – During Lent we will celebrate communion using Holy Eucharist Rite I. We will continue to sing the psalm and sing the Trisagion instead of the Gloria. The Trisagion will be the one we “normally” use (or at least the one we used last year).

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 19 in unison. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 126: The people who in darkness walked (Dundee) from the Hymnal 1982. The words and music will be found on a bulletin insert.

Formation Classes – We will discuss our Old Testament reading Exodus 20:1-17, “The Ten Commandments” this Sunday from 9:15-10:15 am. Next week will continue our study of the Old Testament Lectionary reading; Numbers 21:4-9, “The Bronze Serpent.” All are invited to join us for class.

Wednesday Book Study - Our book study will continue this coming Wednesday, March 14 at 10:00 am and we will discuss Chapter 8, “Why Does God Let Us Sin?” from the book Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference by The Most Rev. Desmond Tutu and The Rev. Mpho Tutu. If you would like to participate or have a copy of the book please contact Margaret.

Thought for the week – Stewardship: One of the gifts God gives us with new life is the urge to respond by giving and giving generously and repeatedly as God gives. Of course, there is no way to repay for our new life. That is not what is asked. But our response can be to own the liberation offered us to live fully and give ourselves and what we have with bold generosity.

-Br. Eldridge Pendleton, SSJE

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Upcoming Events:
Wed. Mar. 7^th        Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) Judaism
Sat. Mar. 10^th        James River Rug Hookers – 10 am – 3 pm (Parish Hall)
Sun. Mar. 11^th         Daylight Savings Time begins – SPRING FORWARD 1 HOUR
                             Packing Food Bags for Stand Up for Kids following service
Mon. Mar. 12^th        Vestry Meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parish House)
Wed. Mar. 14^th       Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) Islam
Thu. Mar. 15^th        Diocesan Fresh Start – 10 am – 3:30 pm (Camp Chanco)
Sun. Mar. 18^th        Healing Eucharist
Mon. Mar. 19^th        GFWC Junto Women’s Club – 10 am – 2 pm (Parish House)
Wed. Mar. 21^st       Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) TBD
Wed. Mar. 28^th      Wednesday evening Lenten series and Soup Supper – 6:30 –
                             8:00 (Parish House) TBD
Sat. Mar. 31^st        Salvation Army Luncheon
Sun. May 6^th          Bishop’s Visitation
____________________________________________________________
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

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, David, Evan, Kevin, Faye and family, Carter and family, Foster family, Lisa, Terri and Family, Marvin, Denise, Jaelyn, Sally, Bill, Heather, Toni, Pat, Elsie, Charles, and the Goman family.

Serving in the Armed Forces: Bryan, Susan, and Jonathon

Serving Overseas: David

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Bryan & Karen

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Ascension, Norfolk; Christ & St. Luke's, Norfolk; Happening #58
The Rev. Fletcher & Mary Fran Lowe, Jr.; The Rev. Jo Taylor.
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui); The Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwong, Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Hong Kong Island.

Birthdays in March

David 02       Steve 05

Shannon 06   Brooks 07

Wade 08        Mary-Margaret 08

Caroline 09    Fred 12

Tim 13           Pretlow 15

John 18          Elizabeth 19

Clare 23         John 27

Cooper 28

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