Christian Formation for Sunday April 21 - Acts 9:32-43; Peter in Lydda and Joppa

April 21, 2013 – 4 Easter

Acts 9:32-43

Peter in Lydda and Joppa

 

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. Acts presents much of the theology of the Apostles and Disciples in the first century as the Christian Cult was gaining stature. This section describes the spread of the faith outside Jerusalem.

 

Theme: This section describes the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem in preparation for the mission to the Gentiles. Peter carries on Jesus’ ministry of healing and restoration. This is one of the first indicators of the prominence of women in the growing Faith.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Acts 9:32-35 in addition to the assigned reading. Briefly describe the setting for this passage.

* Where are Joppa and Lydda located? Why might those places be important in the life of the Jews?

* What strikes you in the description of both events: Aeneas’ healing and Tabitha’s being raised from the dead?

* Scholars state that the naming of a woman as a disciple (the feminine form of the word disciple is used for Tabitha) only appears in this passage in all the New Testament. What do you think is the significance of that fact?

* What faith do you think Aeneas and Tabitha are? How might their faith be significant to the spread of Christianity?

* Why might both of Tabitha’s names, Hebrew and Greek, be given in the text?

* There are some similarities between this account of Peter and the healings of both Elijah and Jesus. What do you think this is intended to signify?

* What do you think the function of the widows is? Why is the widows’ wailing important to the people of that time? Why do you think the women were showing the clothes and tunics Tabitha made?

* Why might it have been significant enough to the writer to comment that Peter offered his hand to help Tabitha up once she was raised from the dead?

* What do you think about the fact that “many believed in the Lord [Jesus]” after Peter’s miracle? Do you think the miracle was important to the growth of the body of the Faithful?

* What is the good news for the first and second century Christians?

* How do we capture the intent of this story of good news and share it today?

* What is our mission and “course correction” based on this passage?

Reflection and sermon for Sunday April 14

Greetings on the day before Tax Day. This weekend was a great weekend for the parish; we did a little "secular" work and a little sacred work. Yesterday we hosted 27 vendors in the Parish Hall and it looks like we'll do it again. Lots of folks around the Parish did their share and it was a great event.

Today started with a good review of Acts and Saul's conversion. We had a great worship service with a young one included in worship. We continued to look at how our lives have changed because of the Resurrection. Today we reflected on how God honors our "tacking" in our ministry or the direct change from a u-turn like Saul (or Ananias).

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/bNL7rA

The Word from St. John's: April 2013 Editions

I invite you to take a look at the most recent version of our Parish Newsletter located in our Dropbox by following this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/l/UAUhcsdOpNlBk0cfolv3H9

May you be blessed as you see what is going on in our loving Parish.

Les+

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 14, 2013

Sanctuary Roof Update – The Vestry has begun receiving bids to most likely replace the roof on the Sanctuary. The present roof was installed in the 1990s and is showing signs of deterioration and it has been recommended to replace the roof. To date we have received bids that run the entire gamut of prices from ~$15,000 to nearly $66,000. Many more details need to be worked out with respect to the roof but the Vestry will likely approach the Parish for desires for materials when ultimately replacing the roof.

 

Spring Craft and Vendor Fair – The fair will be held this 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.

______________________________________________________________

April 14, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Third Sunday of Easter

First Lesson:  Acts 9:1-20

Psalm:  Psalm 30

Second Lesson:  Revelation 5:11-14

Gospel:  John 21:1-19

 

Lay Participants for April 14, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Leone

Lector:  Fred

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Nick and Tina

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  No one has signed up

 

Sermon for Sunday, Apr. 7: http://chirb.it/PPFzgf

______________________________________________________________

Easter Lilies – Thank you to all who provided Easter lilies to brighten our Church. If you would like to take a lily you purchased home, please feel free following the service.

 

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 30 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 551, “Rise up, ye saints of God!” (Festal Song) 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.

 

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – The REVISED total collection for Boys’ Home was $78.60, an increase of $21.05 from last week’s report. Thank you to all who have helped this worthy cause.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will not meet on April 3 but will resume the following week on April 10. We will continue our study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw on April 3. On April 10 we will study and discuss Chapter 4, “The Resurrection” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. 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 9:1-20, “The Conversion of Saul” 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 9:36-43, “Peter in Lydda and Joppa” 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 – Savior: Unfailingly, Jesus directs our attention to those parts of our lives that remain desert just because living water has never gotten there. He asks us to go where we have no desire to go, because going there shatters the illusions we hold about ourselves and reveals our need for a Savior.

-Br. David Vryhof

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

Tue. Apr. 9^th         * Chuckatuck Founders’ Day meeting (Wesley Chapel)

Wed. Apr. 10^th       * Chuckatuck Ruritan Oyster Roast – 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Kirk Farm)

Thu. Apr. 11^th         * Set up for G. F. C. W. Junto Woman’s Club event

                             * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Fri. Apr. 12^th         * G. F. C. W. Junto Woman’s Club event – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

                             * Set up Parish Hall for Vendor and Craft Faire – 3:00 pm

Sat. Apr. 13^th        * Vendor and Craft Faire – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Apr. 15^th       * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish

                             House)

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

____________________________________________________________

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, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, June, Ronald, Dorothy, the Donahue Family, Rev. Mike, and Bruce.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Leone

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Josiah Were of Kenya.

 

Birthdays in April

John 06                        Barbara 10

Matthew 14                 Bryan 16

Paul 24                        BC 27

Bernice 30

 

Anniversaries in April

Tim & Bev 03             Doug & Mac 30

 

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854

Christian Formation for Apr. 14 - Acts 9:1-20; The Conversion of Saul and Saul Preaches in Damascus

April 14, 2013 – 3 Easter

Acts 9:1-20

The Conversion of Saul

Saul Preaches in Damascus

 

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. Acts presents much of the theology of the Apostles and Disciples in the first century as the Christian Cult was gaining stature. This section describes the spread of the faith outside Jerusalem.

 

Theme: Saul has been authorized to hunt down and bring the Christians back to Jerusalem for trial. Paul’s persecution is beginning to extend beyond the bounds of Israel and is reaching into Gentile lands; highlighting the growing displeasure of the Christian cult by the Jewish religious leaders. The story also exposes the reverse-discrimination between the Christian cult and the Jewish leadership.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read all of Acts 9:1-20. Briefly describe the setting for this passage.

* Where are Damascus Syria and Tarsus Cilicia? What is the significance of these two cities?

* What authority do you think the Synagogue in Jerusalem would have in Damascus? How might their power reach across borders to authorize extradition of Christians back to the Jewish religious tribunal?

* How might you compare the two prominent Sauls in Scripture; Saul in Samuel and Saul in the New Testament?

* In light of last week’s statement by Gamaliel about letting the cult succeed or fail on its own, how might this passage be disconnected with that advice?

* Why might God call Saul by name twice before his initial accusation? Why might Ananias only be called one time by God/Jesus in verse 10?

* Why do you think the outcome of the two visions, Saul’s and Ananias’, are different? Saul is blinded and Ananias is “merely” spurred to do something (that he doesn’t want to do)?

* Why do you think the men with Saul were not blinded by their interaction with Jesus? Why might they have only heard a voice but not seen the light of Christ on the road like Saul?

* In verse 12, God tells Ananias that he must lay hands on Saul to allow Saul’s to regain his sight. Do you think there was something special in Ananias’ touch? If not what is significant about Ananias touching Saul in light of the restoration of sight (maybe even on both accounts – Saul and Ananias)?

* How do you think Saul really was God’s chosen instrument to carry God’s message of redemption in Jesus to the world? How believable do you think that statement would be to the Christians who had been dispersed throughout the region in fear?

* What is the message of hope for Saul, Ananias, the Jews and the Christian cult now spreading beyond Israel?

* Do you think conversions all happen like Saul’s did or are there other ways people become more aware of God calling them to service?

* How do we share this message of renewal through conversion in our society?

Reflection for Easter 2 on April 7, 2013

Greetings On the Second Sunday of Easter. It has been a a blessed Easter week at St. Johns and we are looking forward to the changing season. We had a good celebration and a fine investigation of Acts.

In service today we looked at Thomas but not as Doubting Thomas. We looked at the way that God in Christ meets the Disciples in the common, everyday events of life. And we looked at how God helps us work our way through the locked doors we hide behind in fear, even when we've met the risen Christ. A question to look at is how we live authentically as a human yet continue to share the work of God in the world.

I invite your comments,
Les+

http://chirb.it/PPFzgf

St. John's e-News for Sunday April 7, 2013

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.

______________________________________________________________

April 7, 2013, 10:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Lessons for the Second Sunday of Easter

First Lesson:  Acts 5:27-32

Psalm:  Psalm 150

Second Lesson:  Revelation 1:4-8

Gospel:  John 20:19-31

 

Lay Participants for April 7, 2013 - 10:30 am service

Eucharistic Minister:  Jim

Lector:  Suze

Prayers:  Marlene

Ushers:  Bert and Marcella

Nursery Attendant:  Lillian

Nursery Assistant:  To be identified

 

Refreshments:  Marlene

 

Sermon for Sunday, Mar. 31: http://chirb.it/2EL7zs

______________________________________________________________

Easter Thank You –A special thank you to all who have made Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Day a special day. Many thanks for those who cleaned, sang, ate, worshiped, and all other ministries offered this year. The Rector.

 

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 150 together. The Psalm will be set to Hymn 680, “O God, our help in ages past” (St. Anne) 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.

 

“Penny Power” for Boys’ Home, Inc. – During the season of Lent we collected $57.55 for Boys’ Home. Thank you to all who have helped this worthy cause.

 

Wednesday Morning Book Study – The Wednesday morning book study will take a break during Holy Week but will continue its study of the book “Conversations with Scripture and with Each Other: Spiritual Formation for Lay Leaders” by M. Thomas Shaw on April 3. On April 3 we will study and discuss Chapter 3, “The Cross and Suffering of Jesus” and how that event shapes Scripture, our profession of faith, and our community life. 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 5:27-32, “The Apostles Are Persecuted” 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 9:1-20, “The Conversion of Saul” 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 – Innocence: Christ sets us free from the weight of our sins and failures so that we can join the procession into God’s future—with a certain lightness of being.

-Br. Mark Brown

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

______________________________________________________________________

Upcoming Events:

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

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

Thu. Apr. 4^th         * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Mon. Apr. 8^th         * Vestry meeting – 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Parlor)

Tue. Apr. 9^th         * Chuckatuck Founders’ Day meeting (Wesley Chapel)

Wed. Apr. 10^th      * Chuckatuck Ruritan Oyster Roast – 4:00 – 6:00 pm (Kirk Farm)

Thu. Apr. 11^th         * Set up for G. F. W. C. Junto Woman’s Club event

                             * Choir Rehearsal – 7:00 – 8:30 pm (Choir Room)

Fri. Apr. 12^th         * G. F. W. C. Junto Woman’s Club event – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

                             (Parish Hall)

                             * Set up Parish Hall for Vendor and Craft Faire – 3:00 pm

Sat. Apr. 13^th        * Vendor and Craft Faire – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish Hall)

Mon. Apr. 15^th        * G. F. W. C. Junto Women’s Club – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm (Parish

                             House)

____________________________________________________________

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, Andy, Beth, Marvin, Clare, Steve, Adelle, Rick, Kathy, Jeanie, June, Ronald, Dorothy, and the Donahue Family.

 

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

 

Parish Cycle of Prayer: Shawn and Lizzie

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: Epiphany Episcopal School of Danville.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Rt. Rev. Beneah Salalah of Kenya.

 

Birthdays in April

John 06                        Barbara 10

Matthew 14                 Bryan 16

Paul 24                        BC 27

Bernice 30

 

Anniversaries in April

Tim & Bev 03             Doug & Mac 30

 

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Episcopal-Church-Suffolk-VA/176697562360854