A person can't be at St. John's for long without hearing that our call as Christians is to "move into the neighborhood" to share the Good News of Jesus and to serve those in need. 

At St. John's, we are careful about what we mean when we say evangelism.  We don't mean that Christians are to be overbearing Bible beating know-it-alls, telling others what they need to know to be saved.  What we do mean is that, empowered by the Holy Spirit, Christians always look for and pray for opportunities when our words and actions can be used by God to touch the lives of other human beings on their spiritual journeys.  Our job is to be a part of something much bigger than knowing all the "right answers."  Instead, we live our lives in Christian community, expecting and trusting that God is ushering in his Kingdom and that he will place responsive people across our path.  And once we meet, the Holy Spirit will guide our words and actions in the way that is best for them to discover or deepen their relationship with the Lord Jesus.  The key question always is this: do we tell God every day that we are "on duty" and do we ask for wisdom to see when we are being called to serve?

Six years ago I came across a quote from Karen Ward, a colleague of Clifford's and mine, who was at that time the church planter for Church of the Apostles in Seattle, Washington.  Believing that the word "evangelism" was forever colored by the negative cultural images associated with it, she encouraged her Seattle church community to live as postevangelists.  In her words...

I no longer believe in evangelism.  To be postevangelistic is to live our lives in Christ without a strategy but with the compassion and the servant posture of Jesus Christ.  We do not do evangelism or have a mission.  The Holy Spirit is the evangelist, and the mission belongs to God.  What we do is simply live our lives publicly as a community in the way of Jesus Christ, and when people inquire as to why we live this way, we share with them an account of the hope within us.  We are to love one another, and that creates its own attraction.

J. Derek Harbin, rector 

Christmas in July, 7/25 from 6-9pm 

Bring your energy, smiles, and spiritual gifts to Christmas in July for  one night of food, air conditioning, and fun for our homeless neighbors in need! 

On Sunday, July  20, we will continue collecting the following new items in all adult sizes: men's and women's flip flops, men's boxer briefs, and ladies "cami" (camisole) tops as gifts to be given to our homeless guests on the night of July 25.

Also on Sunday, July 20 we will collect clean, gently used summer shorts and tops for a shopping opportunity for our guests.   Clean out your closets and bring in those gently worn, but not being used clothes.

Come bless and be blessed!  We will need those who are willing to serve and clean up.  Want to know more?  Contact Nancy Johnson at 757-646-2647.

For the Church

Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Katherine, the Presiding Bishop; Holly, our bishop who is away on sabbatical; David, our visiting bishop; Derek, our priest; Heidi & Russ, our missionaries in Chile; our parish staff, wardens and vestry

For Justice and Peace  

For Barack, our president, Terry, our governor; Ken, our mayor; for the city of Portsmouth; for Mac Baechtold; Erin Elliott-Carrico; Nate Kingsbury; Will Oast; Dariana Torres and Bill Wolter who are serving our country overseas or away from home; for the Coast Guard Personnel on watch and on patrol from Coast Guard Base Portsmouth

For those in any Need or Trouble  

In our Parish: Bobby Barclay; Donald Bowles;  Kevin Carrigan; Bill Edwards; Darryl Foytik; Ron Fritz;  Vivian Hillman; Mavia Hudgins; Dody Johnson; Bob McBride; Arlene Peterson; Carol Phipps; Alice Robbins;  Betty Jo Ross; Sue Taylor; Jennie Todd; Mark Woodland

Related to our Parish: Linda (aunt of Al Gregg); Patients of the Naval Hospital & EDMARC hospice for children. 

Thanksgivings