Conversations with Scripture - Session 1

This past week, March 13, we began a discussion of the book "Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other"by Br. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE. We will endeavor to dig through the book to see how our ancestors of the faith help illuminate our journey through life as members of the Christian Faith.

 

Session 1

 

Discussion of the "Q" Hypothesis

 

"Q"                                                                         Mark

 

 

 

Luke                                                                Matthew

 

 

1. Most likely the Gospels were not written by an individual but by a community or group of people
2. Paul most likely did not write all the Epistles attributed to him
3. Paul's Epistles are sorted by length not chronology
4. The books attributed to Paul are:
1. 1 Thessalonians
2. Galatians
3. Philippians
4. Philemon
5. 1 Corinthians
6. 2 Corinthians
7. Romans

5. The disputed (possibly pseudonymous) letters of Paul are:
1. 2 Thessalonians
2. Colossians
3. Ephesians
4. Titus
5. 1 Timothy
6. 2 Timothy

6. Most likely, the Gospel of John; 1, 2, and 3 John; and the Revelation of John were written by different people

 

Question 1: Why are you particularly grateful for the community of the church?

Question 2: How does the fact that Scripture is typically written for a community by a community impact the way we understand Scripture?

 

Observation 1: The Authors of the Gospels and Paul could not have conceived of a relationship with God outside the context of a community. How does that impact the way we should enter Scripture?

Observation 2: While agreement may be the ideal, talking with others over the points of disagreement in faith helps bring unity. How does that observation impact the way we live together as a community?

 

The Way Ahead

1. Read Chapter 2
2. Glance at Chapters 3 - 11 and determine which, if any, are most compelling to you

Christian Formation for Sunday March 24 - Isaiah 50:4-9a; The Servant's Humiliation and Vindication

March 24, 2013 –Palm Sunday

Isaiah 50:4-9a

The Servant’s Humiliation and Vindication

 

Background: This portion of the prophet Isaiah falls within what is commonly known as Second Isaiah. Second Isaiah was 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. This passage is often referred to as the Third Servant Song – often interpreted as presaging Christ’s final week leading to his crucifixion.

 

Theme: An overarching theme in Second Isaiah is the significance of historical events in God’s plan – one that extends from creation to redemption. In this passage, there are markers of the assurance of God’s continued providence on those who remain faithful to God, even under duress.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Isaiah 50:1-9. Briefly describe the setting for this passage.

* Considering this portion of text is often referred to as the “Third Servant Song” who do you think the servant was? Do you think the servant in the passage was speaking about themselves or some idealized person?

* Some translations present the phrase “…the tongue as those who are taught…” in place of “…the tongue of a teacher…” in verse 4a. How might the one taught by God in the first translation differ from the latter translation?

* How might the prophet be one who sustained Israel in the midst of their trials and tribulations while in exile in Babylon? Especially considering the prophet did not always present a “loving” message rather the prophet spoke words of judgment.

* Some argue verse 5 relates the message of the lone prophet who, unlike Israel as a whole, did not turn back from God’s teaching. How do you interpret this passage and how effective would words of woe be conveyed to someone when the prophet claims to be “the only one who did not sin”?

* In the past, verse 6 could be viewed as support for pacifism and even against self-defense. Do you think the intent of the prophet was to convey that the person who graciously and passively accepted abuse (often unwarranted) was truly blessed? If not, what do you think the prophet was trying to say with this statement?

* In verse 7b, the translator chose the phrase “I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” In other translations the verse appears as “I refuse to give up, because I know God will never let me down (CEV)” or “I am steadfastly resolved; I know I will not be put to shame. (NET)” Which translation do you think conveys the message of God’s continued providence in times of trial?

* What do you think the prophet is trying to convey or imply in verse 8? How might the prophet be putting their stake in God’s justice through this verse? How might the prophet be attempting to spur others on to follow God faithfully in times of trial?

* What assurance do you think the prophet gives stemming from their belief that “it is the Lord God who helps me”?

* What is the message and application we can take from this passage in our life and ministry?

Reflection and sermon for March 17

Blessings to you on the 5th Sunday in Lent. This past week was a blessed week as we continued our study of the history of the Anglican Church at our Lenten supper and leapt into Br. M. Thomas Shaw's book "Conversations with Scripture and with Others" both have helped continue our investigation of how our life is shaped by our understanding of our history and of scripture.

Today, in formation class we had a newcomer and delved into our reminder of a future because God has been with us all along the way. In worship we started to circle in on the epic journey we've undergone this Lenten season. Today we focused on the tension that comes from living between the now and the not yet. Yet we also saw that with community and relationship plus the realization that our intentional pursuit of the tension will help us thrive in the journey to life with God. I invite your comments.
Les+

http://chirb.it/1kPymA

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

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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)

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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, 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+